So, after months of going to yoga, I was finally able to go into Reclining Hero the other day. Before that, I've always had to resort to leaning partially back. Anything more, and any attempt to get my butt down all the way to the ground, would hurt my knees too much.

Well this time I rested my butt partially on my heels, and in this way I was actually able to go back.

My question is, is this a worthwhile way to do the pose, or should I just wait for my legs to open up more before trying to go more fully into it?

Hi Dmitri,

Another option rather than sitting on your heels is to use a block. Placing the block underneath bottom will allow you to.....recline

As your hips and thighs open up over time you can change the rotation of the block so that you are lower and lower and maybe eventually remove it all together.

So in short - yes it is worthwhile! So long as you honor your body and work wherever your body wants you to be each day it will be fine. And it sounds like you are doing just that!

Keep listening to your knees! =)

Dimitri, Try seperating your knees if you haven't done so already. Keep some weight in your hands on either side of your shins, that way you can GENTLY ease toward sitting.

This allows you to move subtly and carefully (little increments), lowering to the point that's right for you, as Jillian said, that day. Be SO careful with your knees! Focus your breath

into them throughout the posture. Also take into account that the way our individual bodies are built, specifically, the way the femur fits into the hip socket, can affect the range of

motion (moving into sitting in Reclining Hero). That you have come so far in ONLY months is pretty amazing!! Your body will appreciate your

effort, kindness, and patience- especially your knees Keep it up!

Hey thanks for the advice on this topic Jillian and Jeannie!

when using the block, try to make sure you are not arching the spine into an uncomfortable position. I see several people daily who are on a block and then try to lay flat and end up with shoulders on the floor, butt in the air and pain in the back. It looks painful, their face tells me it is painful, but they won't stop. So just take it slow, start to lean back, support yourself with your hands and elbows for as long as you need to.

Jeannie and Jillian are spot on!

As a non "internal rotator" in my hips, my bones grind together painfully when I am in this posture, my knees are fine. I will never be off the block unless I have surgery to remove some parts of my hip bone or femoral head. Since that is not going to happen, I sit upright, on a block and stretch my legs and hips as best as I can.

As the two lovely ladies before me stated, it is all about honoring your own unique body and listening to it at all times.

Thank you for practicing and thank you for bringing up this topic, I'm sure you are not the only student out there with that same question.

Beth