This pose clearly reveals how tightness in the legs can create spinal flexion. Obstacles that show up clearly in this pose are often the cause of difficulties in more complex poses, where the restrictions are less obvious. For example, tightness in the legs will affect the downward-facing dog, but in a way that can appear to be more about shoulder or spinal restriction.

Not everyone can use their arms to help create the neutral spinal extension in dandasana due to proportional differences in arm-to-body length. Conversely, what appears to be different arm-to-body proportions can sometimes be the result of chronically elevated or depressed positioning of the scapulae or the rib cage. Additionally, if the spine is unable to extend into vertical because of tightness in the hips and legs, the arms may seem too long.

For students of vinyasa flows that involve jumping-throughs, knowing your arm-to-torso proportions is absolutely essential. An inability to jump through due to a long torso and short arms will not respond to any amount of stretching or strengthening. Use blocks under the hands to level the playing field.