Hi I ve been doing yoga for about 6 years and although I feel quite strong I seem to get no where with surya namaskara when you jump the feet to the hands, same with the hand stand, I just wondered if anybody had any advice, I try to lead with my hips and engage my locks but only seem to reach half way towards where my hands are, would be grateful of any tips:-D
There are two possible issues. Flexibility or core strength. One way to practice is find a flat no carpeted surface. You can keep your hands on a yoga mat and your feet on the floor. Be in a plank position. keep a folded towel on the floor under your feet. Then pull your feet too your legs sliding your feet and the towel along the hard surface. Contort your body into a V position. Practice this over and over again and it should train your core.
“same with the hand stand”? That is interesting. Whatever is troubling you with handstand is probably the obstacle for your jumping forward in Sun salutations. When you practice, take extra care to note what is happening in Sun salutations and what is happening in handstand. Try to do it slower, see what happens. Very often it is an issue of fear. I now, it’s hard to admit to feeling fear, but what a wonderful challenge!
Hi Phoenix Yogi,
Jumping forward to Tadasana takes considerable core and shoulder/upper arm strength. There are a few key poses that if practiced regularly, will allow you to jump to your hands in no time. They are: crane, navasana, tolasana/lolasana, jathara parivartanasana. There are modifications for each posture. For instance, lifting one foot off at a time in crane as opposed to both feet simultaneously, or keeping the knees partially bent in navasana and j. pariv.; using blocks to lift off in tolasana/lolasana.
Also, when you practice jumping forward, begin by lifting up onto the balls of your feet. Then bend your knees, and do your best to pull them together and into your chest immediately after springing off your mat. This is where the deep core strength will help you to leap farther.
Hopefully this is helpful for you.
with reverence,
Phoenix