This tag displays the 2nd level of difficulty in yoga poses.
Much as in paschimottanasana, if the focus is too much on getting the head down the resulting action is more spinal (flexion) than pelvic (sacroiliac and hip joints). For this reason, the intention should not be to get the head to the feet but to get the navel to the feet. The activity of the […]
Buddha Konasana – Bound Angle Pose Read More »
The back of the body is referred to as “west” due to the traditional practice of facing the rising sun when performing morning worship. Compare with purvottanasana— a stretch for the front of the body (purva = in front, before, eastward).
Paschimottanasana – West (back) Stetching Read More »
The inability to dorsiflex the ankle-deep enough to keep the heels on the floor can be due to shortness in the Achilles tendon (specifically the soleus, in this position); however, the restriction can also be in the front of the ankle. A quick fix is available by using support under the heels, but it’s important
Upavesasana – Squat—Sitting-Down Pose Read More »
This forward bend is more intense in the hamstrings than uttanasana because the position of the back leg directs more of the flexion. into the hip joint, and spinal flexibility is less of an issue. Although the back leg is positioned with the leg turned out, the action of the musci.es is toward internal rotation,
Parsvottanasana – Intense Side Stretch Read More »
Pain or sensation in the medial knee of the front leg can be from the gracilis and semitendinosus, which are especially lengthened in this position and can transfer strain to the joint capsule. It is important to keep the back of the front leg active (hamstrings) to avoid knee hyperextension, which is easy to do
Trikonasana – Triangle pose Read More »
In the front leg, the increased hip flexion makes it more challenging to maintain abductions and external rotation in the leg, which keeps the knee from falling inward or the hip from swinging out. The increased hip flexion does make it possible for the lower side of the body to stay long and for the
Utthita Parsvakonasana – Extended Side Angle Pose Read More »
Back Hip Joint: Abduction and extension at the same time is a challenging position for the ligaments and capsules of the hip joint. The work of the abductors (gluteus medius and minimus) is important; they help to lift the back knee away from the floor. If the gluteus medius and minimus are weak or tight,
Virabhadrasana 2 – Warrior 2 Read More »
The Shorter (from front to back) and wider (from side to side) stance of this basic warrior pose employs an easier action in the pelvis and a higher center of gravity, but it is generally an easier pose to balance in because of the wider base of support and increased freedom of the hip joints.
Virbhadrasana 1 – Warrior 1 Read More »
The adductors lengthen to get into position; they may have some role in holding the leg in place by pressing the foot into the inside of the standing leg. Missing the pectineus to hold the leg in place creates flexion at the hip, tilting the pelvis and rotating the leg inward. Abductors on the standing
Vrksasana – Tree Pose Read More »
