Flexibility, sequences etc.. Help?

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I used to take a few classes with a friend who was a certified yoga teacher around a year ago but had to stop due to circumstances. I’ve recently had a strong urge to get back into yoga and have been practicing a little at home. I can’t afford any classes at the moment but still want to learn.

I know the basics and like to try new poses but my main problem is my flexibilty. For example; Even in Staff Pose I have great trouble in straightening both my back along with my legs. I cannot do forward bends without bending my knees, and so forth.

With practice, would I be able to straighten my knees without pain or are some people simply not that flexible. It can be frustrating when I can’t fully do a posture and sometimes makes me want to give up, even though I know I may improve with practice.

Another problem I have, due to not having a teacher, is what order of poses/how many/etc I’m meant to have. How often to practice and so on. Sorry, I realise I have a lot of questions. I just really want to develop with my yoga and don’t want to give up, though I’m feeling a little downhearted.

#2

Hello.

I believe some of the questions you pose have been swatted around no this forum before. Perhaps you would benefit from a brief search using the “Search” link int he blue tool bar. It should drop down and allow one to enter terms like “beginning a practice” how often" and so forth.

If you still have questions after that let’s discuss them further.

Relative to flexibility I will once again mention that yoga is more about stabilizing and less about flexibility. But for now lets say it is about stabilizing some things and mobilizing others. You will of course have a particular range of movement that is safe for you in your body, a plateau if you will. But you are not likely at that place right now so there is room to grow.

Take your time, enjoy your practice, don’t be frustrated, feel your body.