Yoga Chikitsa · Primary · Seated Sequence
Kurmasana
Tortoise
What it is
Kurmasana, or tortoise pose, is a deep forward fold where the arms slide under the legs.
What it looks like
Seated with the legs apart and knees bent, you fold forward and slide the arms under the knees, out to the sides. The legs straighten as far as is comfortable and the chest moves toward the floor. It is held for five breaths.
Why it is practised
It is one of the deeper folds of the Primary Series and asks for openness in the hips and back.
What to pay attention to
Keep the knees bent as much as you need. Do not press the legs down hard on the arms. Let the breath set the pace of the fold.
Who it suits
Students who are comfortable in the earlier forward folds. Questions about your own practice can go through the booking form.
Next in the sequence: Supta Kurmasana.
Seated wide, the arms thread under the legs, the chest toward the floor.
Practise this Primary pose in a Mysore-style room, or in a private session in Dubai or online.
See session formats, upcoming dates and the shala.