Try this Giraffe Pose Variation
Practice a gentle giraffe pose variation standing on one leg to improve balance, stretch your neck and legs, and learn slow breathing for control.
Step-by-step guide to giraffe pose variation (one-leg balance)
Step 1
Find a flat non-slip spot on the floor or lay down your yoga mat.
Step 2
March in place for 30 seconds to warm up your legs.
Step 3
Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and your body straight.
Step 4
Shift your weight onto your left foot so your right foot can lift.
Step 5
Lift your right foot and place your toes lightly on the floor near your left ankle or calf.
Step 6
Reach both arms straight up above your head like a giraffe stretching its neck.
Step 7
Gently lift your chin to look slightly upward like a tall giraffe.
Step 8
Breathe slowly for three full breaths using an inhale for 3 counts and an exhale for 4 counts.
Step 9
Lower your right foot back to the floor to return to two feet.
Step 10
Repeat Steps 4–8 on the other side by shifting to your right foot and lifting your left foot.
Step 11
Stand with your feet together and shake your legs gently to relax.
Step 12
Share a photo or a short note about your giraffe pose on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use instead of a yoga mat if I don't have one?
Use a folded towel or non-slip rug on a flat surface, or practice next to a chair for support while following Steps 3–8.
I'm wobbling when I lift one foot—how can I keep my balance during the giraffe pose?
Lightly rest a fingertip on a chair or the wall while shifting weight in Step 4 and focus your gaze upward as in Step 6 to steady yourself while you complete Steps 5–7.
How can I adapt this activity for younger children or older kids?
For younger children, shorten the marching warm-up in Step 2 and have them hold Step 5 while holding a caregiver's hand, while older kids can march longer in Step 2 and extend the single-leg hold in Step 5 to five full breaths (inhale 3, exhale 4).
How can we make the giraffe pose more fun or challenging?
Turn it into a timed balance game by seeing who holds the single-leg giraffe in Step 5 longest, add a scarf as a pretend giraffe neck to personalize the pose, and then share a photo as in Step 12 on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to do the giraffe pose variation (one-leg balance)
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Facts about yoga for kids
⏱️ Holding a single-leg balance for 10–30 seconds per side is a common yoga goal to build stability and control.
⚖️ Standing on one leg strengthens tiny stabilizer muscles around the ankle and hip that help with balance and coordination.
🦒 Giraffes have the same number of neck vertebrae as humans—seven—even though their necks are much longer.
🌬️ Slow, deep breaths (pranayama-style) activate the relaxation response and help kids calm and focus.
🧘 The Sanskrit word "asana" originally meant "seat" and now commonly refers to yoga poses and postures.
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