Happy October! It sounds cliché, but I love this time of year. I’m excited for the abundance of pumpkins and the seemingly cooler weather (It’ll get cooler, right?) In honor of the change of the season, I made a list of Halloween-themed yoga poses to get us in the spooky spirit. It’s a great combination of well established favorites and challenging postures to improve on – There’s nothing better than facing your fears! These may be fun to try with your kids as you gear up for Halloween. Comment below if you have any spooky stretches that you want to add to the list and have a haunted holiday!

Black Cat pose

Why not start your yoga session with a luxurious cat/cow pose? You’ll have to imagine that this cat is more haunting than your regular cat stretch. Maybe you can even work in an explanation for how the cow part of the pose relates to Halloween. This pose improves posture and balance, increases coordination and relieves stress. It is one of the perfect stretches to start your yoga practice. Just breathe and let your superstitions be your guide.


Half Moon pose

There are two versions of this pose, one for balance and one for stretching your sides. I recommend practicing both, since the balancing half moon improves digestion and the standing half moon increases flexibility of your upper body. Be sure to catch a glimpse of the half moon in the night sky throughout the month. Take note of the full moon on October 2nd and the new moon on October 17th!

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Dead Bug pose

For the majority of the year, I like to call this pose Happy Baby. But this month, since there is another name for the pose that fits within the Halloween theme, we’ll call it Dead Bug. Plus, it’s scary to hold this pose for a long time! Just kidding, I’ve noticed how great my low back feels after I practice this Let It Go Yoga pose. It’s the perfect hamstring stretch at the end of your practice and although it may appear as a trick, it’s actually a treat.

Crow pose

I have yet to hold crow pose for a very long time, but I’m working on it! It’s so fun to challenge yourself on the yoga mat – There’s definitely a mental component to practicing this pose. Crow builds and tones your core as well as strengthens your arms and upper back. I can’t wait to spook others with my professional crow skills one day!

 

Spider pose

Would this pose be easier if you had 8 legs? It’s hard to say! Spider pose is a great way to activate the core and shoulder muscles. This pose may get you all tangled up, but you’ll be all stretched out by the end of it. Maybe this pose will inspire a Spiderman/Spiderwoman Halloween costume in your household!

If you’re dressing up this Halloween, try turning your costume into a spooky pose. I know I’ll be inventing the Kristy from the Babysitters Club pose.

Written by Emily Parsons, Certified Let It Go Yoga teacher. Photo & Haiku: Jim Parsons.

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