Side-Lying Rest
Also called Side-Lying Savasana · Lateral Rest
Side-lying rest offers all the benefits of Savasana with extra comfort and is ideal during pregnancy.
- Level
- Complete beginner
- Hold
- 5–15 minutes
- Focus
- Supported relaxation
- Steps
- 5 cues · ~1 min
- Fully supported
- Breathe easily
Step by step
How to do Side-Lying Rest
StartLie on your left side.
- 1
Lie on your left side with knees bent.
- 2
Support the head with a pillow so the neck is level.
- 3
Place a bolster or pillow between the knees.
- 4
Hug a pillow to support the top arm if you like.
- 5
Close the eyes and release effort.
- ↩
Coming out. Press up slowly with your hands to sit.
Breath
Natural, relaxed breathing.
Focus
Supported relaxation
Why practise it
Restful and comfortable; recommended in pregnancy.
Alignment
Cues & common mistakes
Aim for Neck in line with spine; knees supported.
Teacher’s cues
- “Fully supported”
- “Breathe easily”
Watch out for
Head unsupported so the neck strains.
Make it yours
Easier, harder, supported
Add more pillows as needed.
- Corpse Pose
- Pillow under head
- Bolster between knees
In a sequence
Where it fits in a flow
This poseSide-Lying Rest
AfterEasy Seat
Good to know
Questions
Which side should I lie on?
Either, though the left side is often recommended in later pregnancy.
A modern adaptation of Savasana.
What helps
Props that make this easier
- Non-slip yoga mat A 4–6 mm mat with good grip makes standing poses steadier. View on Amazon
- Cork yoga block Brings the floor closer in forward folds and supported poses. View on Amazon
- Cotton yoga strap Extends your reach in hamstring and shoulder stretches. View on Amazon
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