Query

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hi everyone!

In Sun Sallutation, the flow from downward dog to taking a lunge back in front (step back in front at the inner side of the hand, pararell with hand) has always been a challenge to some beginners or even to some who have practised yoga for some time. They have difficulty to take their foot back right to the side of their hand. They landed about 20 -30 cm away from the hand. I have no idea of what are the possible causes of this challenge at this particular movement. Any feedback and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

#2

Hello Jean,

From your text it sounds like you are asking about “others” rather than your own practice. Therefore you are either a teacher or an overly interested bystander. I’ll assume the former.

Since there are differences among practices and teachers can be “trained” in a variety of ways with a variety of points of emphasis, it is often best to ask this of those who have trained you. Let’s call this “returning to the source”, for lack of a better term.

There are several things that may be at play in what you’ve described. Generally speaking it is lack of strength in the hip flexors, either alone or in conjunction with the inability to stabilize the lower torso with the abdominals. It would be helpful in assessment to determine the students hip flexion in Supta Padangusthasana and hip extension (knee flexion) in Eka Pada Supta Virasana.

This is where I would begin the looking.

#3

I’m a bit confused here; the student is stepping the foot forward from DD to a lunge, right? If so, the struggle to bring the foot between the hands also has to do with the iliopsoas, which runs down from T12 (lower thoracic vertebrae) connecting to the upper thigh. The more they practice standing postures, in particular warrior and its variations, and extended side angle, the easier this movement will become. Tight hips plays a role as well, as innerathlete mentioned.

As a teacher, I would recommend that you give those students the option to clasp their ankle (say right) with the corresponding hand to lift the foot and place it a bit farther forward, as far as they comfortably can, to try to align the knee with the heel.

#4

Are you confused by my reply or the OP?

#5

The OP. Yours was crystal clear!

#6

Thank you Gordan and Vimshati. I will work on your suggestions and thanks for your advice. It seems like I have a lot to do with my theories and I really have to brush them up. Warm regards…jean