Help! Yoga Advice for Tall Individual

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hello everyone. I’m new to this forum and to yoga in general.

Let me give you a little detail. I’m a 6’0-6’1 tall female. I have long legs and a very long torso, which both can make positioning a tad difficult. I’ve had several people warn me against straining myself…the thing is…I’m not sure what I’m doing in the first place. Help!

Are there certain poses I should avoid or ease up on? I tried doing a little online research prior to finding this forum, but I didn’t really find much. The last thing I need is a back injury, but I really want to gain flexibility and overall well being. I’ve been using a dvd Yoga for Beginners from Body + Soul.

Any and all suggestions welcome. Perhaps any websites that are pletheras of info?

#2

I cannot think of anything specifically for the 6 footer. As long as you’ve got a mat that suits your height and you are minding proper alignment principals (which you’ve stated you don’t know) you’ll be fine.

If you have concerns about specific poses it would be easier (for me) to have you express those and get feedback relative to your body’s experience in the pose. You may need some additional props. For example a standard size brick might not suit you.

Many like Yoga Journal as a resource. I take it more with a grain of salt.

Warnings against straining yourself are not height dependant. It should be stated to all yogis big and small:-)

#3

I am also a very tall female (5’11") and have been doing yoga for several years and have never had any issues because of my height. my feet may be further apart for certain poses then someone much shorter, but yoga is porportionate to your body size and you won’t injure yourself because of that.

The only issue you may have is the length of your yoga mat. I use a standard size mat and rarely go off the end. You can purchase an extra-long mat if you like instead. You can usually find them online.

Namaste

#4

Best is to have an instructor who can help you. Following a video does not provide feedback. Also, a key aspect of yoga is learning to experience from within what alignment feels like. This is difficult when we are focused on an external video. A qualified instructor would be able to direct your attention to what parts of the body the poses are intended to affect, and to offer modifications to poses for your body structure, flexibility and stamina.

Namaste,
Chandra

#5

Here here Chandra.