Leg(2) behind the head

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I have been looking into ashtanga recently and am kind of stumped as to how I can get my leg behind my head. Looking at the anatomy coloring book makes me think that the muscle I need to focus on is my vastus lateralis, but I am unsure. I am talking about the upper, outside, leg muscle just below my butt, facing about the same as if I turn my head over my shoulder.

Kurmasana seems a likely candidate but what else is there? The limiting sensation I get from attempting to put my leg behind my head is completely foreign to me.

The nearest studio near me that has ashtanga is about three hours travel time from me as I do not have a car at the moment. I am therefore practicing out of a book by David Swenson.

Thanks for your help

I meant to put the post title as leg(s) behind the head if that was confusing anyone.

#2

Some useful preparatory poses are Akarna Dhanurasana

and Supta Padi Ruta Padangusthasana. Sorry no pic for this one its in Light on Yoga and was in the Ashtanga Primary Series in its previous incarnation.

#3

Excellent, thank you very much these will be most helpful :slight_smile:

#4

It might help to change the perspective to come in this asana…it’s not putting your leg behind your head, it is rather open your hips and as result you get your legt behind your leg. So concentrate first on hip opening asanas, which are easier, than you get your legt behind your head automatically some day :wink:

#5

I will focus not on the goal but on the quality of my steps :slight_smile: