I've been having a little trouble with locust and pigeon getting the proper alignment because my D-cups are getting in the way!
I was reading the forum about locust and try as I might my upper back can't get flat enough to the floor. If I try to get the roundness out the shoulders, they pop off the floor because of my chest.
In pigeon, I'm having positioning trouble with the bent up knee.
Any advice for me and the girls?!

Hi Rena-Marie! I have the same problem. I lovingly refer to locust as "the mammogram pose"...LOL! The one-legged pose has gotten easier for me, but I am still struggling with getting both legs off the ground! This is probably my most-dreaded pose. As for pigeon, I am positioning my front knee a little further out to the right or left, in order to get closer to the ground....however I am sure this is not the proper allignment! I too, would appreciate any advice!

I had one instructor position my knee right on my chest--talk about mammogram! Yee-ouch! I forgot to even mention how I nearly choke myself in plow pose! Unfortunately, there's probably not much I can do about gravity, but some thoughts about these other poses would be great!

Locust pose (both arms under the body and raising both legs at the same time into the air)


Obstacle my chest size is getting the way


Overcoming the obstacle


1. Separate arms apart so the chest is between the arms, depending on the size of the chest the hands may have to be placed on the outside of the hips beside the thighs.

2. You will continue to feel along with every other person doing the pose increased pressure in the chest when lifting the legs.

3. The goal of the pose is to strengthen the upper back. The shoulders will lift off the ground because of the chest size.

4. Press the arms and hands (spread the fingers wide apart, this will strengthen the wrists) into the ground this will increase the strength in the upper back equally on both sides of the chest and shoulders.

5. Legs are contracted and squeezing together, your spine will naturally arch as you try to lift the legs higher. This increases the blood flow into the upper body building a strong chest and toning your shoulders.

6. Above all remember to breathe enjoy your journey with locust pose.

Thanks Nicole!

I'll try moving my arms out a little next class. That adjustment makes more sense to me than trying to squish the chest under my upper arms just so I can get my elbows closer together.

I look forward to trying it--thanks again!
Rena

Oh no...I have the same problem...D-cups interrupting asanas! Good tips. They make it hard to put my forehead on my knee!

I am so glad to hear that I am not the only one to have this problem.

I have double D's and I practically smother myself to death when I do the rabbit pose. Seriously, if I don't grab my tanktop with my teeth (so I can breathe) before I roll down, I feel like I'll pass out. Does this position cause anyone else some trouble and what do you do about it?

Juliana

Rabbit, locust, forehead to knee... any posture where I am tucking my chin into my chest and bending/rolling down tends to cause problems with my double d's as well, but I, unfortunately, also have a gut to work with, too. The best I can do is to try to position my leg between "the girls" but this also pushes my arms out and is most likely not a great alignment. I think I may go more into this during the Q and A after Wood Class tomorrow. I will let you know what my instructor says!

I have the same challenge! Especially with Locust. It is extremely painful for my chest and I tend to get nauseous. Does anyone else get nauseous during Locust??. Certain times of the month make it even more painful! I do have a hard time with Rabbit as well. Not sure why though. @Dawn, please let us know what you learned.