Hello!

I just bought the book BKS Iyengar Yoga - the Path to Holistic Health. I am working on the nuances of my postures - one of the things I like most about Sunstone is how we really get into the details of how to hold and approach the poses.

In the Iyengar book - in describing Paschimottanasana - he says that the most importantant thing is keeping thighs flat on the floor. that this is more important than holding the toes. a suggested modification is to rest the forehead on a folded blanket placed on the shins(I would think a block would also work).

We go into the pose by grasping the Big Toe with the thumb and first two fingers of each hand and then try to stretch the legs forward while keeping the spine straight and close to the thighs.

What are the thoughts on approaching this from the direction of Iyengar and starting with the thighs on the floor with the goal of working to holding the toes with the fingers or the bottom of the feet with the hands? thanks!

Hi Susan,

Great question!

There are so many different approaches to the yoga asanas and it is good that you are exploring what works for your body.

The goal of this posture in the Fire series is to flatten the low back while maximizing the hamstring stretch. Using the connection of the fingers gripping the big toes helps us achieve this.

Another variation for starting with the legs straight when you can't reach your toes, is to make the posture strong by using isometrics like we do in the Wood series. Sit with your legs together out in front of you. Strengthen the abdominals by pulling the belly button towards the spine, contract your thighs and extend through your heels as you pull your toes toward your face. Using your hands with 20% effort, gently create some resistance by pressing into your thighs, shins or where ever you can reach. Try it for 6-8 seconds for about 6 repetitions and see if you get any closer to reaching your toes while keeping the legs straight.

Remember, questions like these are always great for the last 30 minutes in a Wood 90 class.

Enjoy the journey!