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Yoga Thread-to compare experiences and get advice

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Hanneke Sep 2021 1:32pm, 16 Sep 2021 79,619 posts	Quote Pin Hanneke I am very stiff... I am also a yoga teacher... There are no reasons to go to extremes with postures unnecessarily.
Garfield Sep 2021 2:12pm, 16 Sep 2021 16,075 posts	Quote Pin Garfield My hamstrings are tight and I can't do the splits. My hips are quite open though.
KinkyS Sep 2021 2:24pm, 16 Sep 2021 17,937 posts	Quote Pin KinkyS "How do you get to the stage where you can sit cross-legged on a block (or two)?" It depends why you want to sit cross-legged. If you're trying to improve the external rotation in your hips, then a supine stretch such as figure-4 can help. Don't worry about lifting your supporting foot off the floor or threading the needle, just focus on the movement through the hip. You will probably find that your knee points more towards your shoulder rather than out to the side but that's fine - don't ever force it, your knee needs to be safe and comfortable throughout. A strong flex of the foot will help to prevent any lack of rotation in your hip from being taken by your knee. athletico.com If you're being asked to sit cross-legged to start or end a class, or for breathing or meditation practice, then there is nothing magical about being cross-legged so find another position that is comfortable. If available, sitting in a chair is a very valid way to sit. If you can't sit, lie down. If your teacher doesn't respect the needs of your unique, individual body with its own biology and history, then find a new class. Kneeling - use as many blocks, bolsters or cushions as you need. It doesn't matter if your hips are 2 feet or more off the ground as long as you're comfortable and stable. A rolled blanket or small towel under the front of the ankles can help there. And again, if you're being asked to kneel for any other reason, find a different position. For child's poses, lying on your back and hugging the thighs in is a good alternative. I'm all about making yoga available and accessible to all bodies - shout if you need any more help!
Hobie Oct 2021 12:25pm, 15 Oct 2021 13 posts	Quote Pin Hobie Hi, I'm after some advice. I'm primarily a swimmer and would like to incorporate some yoga into my schedule to help with stretching and mobility. I do a lot of butterfly, which is not kind to the upper body. Can anyone recommend some online resources? I know a face to face class would be preferable, but I don't really have the time or money for it just now.
Garfield Oct 2021 1:16pm, 15 Oct 2021 16,181 posts	Quote Pin Garfield Check out Yoga with Kassandra on YouTube. She has a 30 day 10 minute daily yoga, which offer it in nice bite sized classes for a beginner. She also does 20 and 30 minute classes. https://www.youtube.com/c/yogawithkassandra/search?query=beginner
Hobie Oct 2021 3:16pm, 15 Oct 2021 14 posts	Quote Pin Hobie That sounds just the ticket, thanks Garfield :-D
Garfield Oct 2021 4:31pm, 15 Oct 2021 16,183 posts	Quote Pin Garfield You're welcome! Enjoy!
Hobie Oct 2021 10:32pm, 15 Oct 2021 16 posts	Quote Pin Hobie I've just tried a couple of back, neck and shoulder focused sessions of Yoga with Kassandra. I was crunching like a bowl of Coco Pops, but it's definitely loosened things up a bit!
Chrisull Nov 2021 10:27pm, 1 Nov 2021 18,651 posts	Quote Pin Chrisull I'm having to go more extreme on my stretches, for the first time in a long run my hips were so tight my gait got reduced to 11 minute pace because my stride got so short. I'm finding on longer runs, everything gets so tight it's like having an elastic band around my hips, glutes. The foam roller is now back in action, and also I've found this for starters runnersworld.com but any advice on what more I can do? It seems like cycling is to blame, the moment some runners start adding biking it starts killing their running. I found Zwift and this is happening to me. I'm sure it's something I should be able to counteract with the right sessions?
Garfield Nov 2021 12:17pm, 2 Nov 2021 16,224 posts	Quote Pin Garfield Happy baby is a good start: yogajournal.com Deep low lunges, resting forearms on floor with leg to the outside of the arm. Hold for a minute on each side to start off with. Build up to 5 minutes on each side. If you can't rest on forearms, start off with on hands.