Hi all,

I have taken almost 30 classes and I have been experiencing cramping pain in my hip flexors and standing foot arch during the balancing postures. What stretches should I be doing at home to work through this?

Thanks! Emily

Emily, Congratulations on 30 classes with Sunstone! I also used to get pain in my arches and in my hip flexors when doing the balancing. I did not do any specific streches at home but spent a little more concentration on foundation in my classes. At 25-50 classes this is exactly where you want to be focused so you're right where you need to be : )

For my feet I would make sure to activate and engage all the muscles in the standing leg and try to press the knuckle of the big toe, knuckle of the little toe and heel into the floor to distribute the weight more evenly. This was something that I had to stay focused on or I would lose the engagement. For the hips, Use the mirror to see if you are lifting your pelvis up when you raise your lifting leg. Try to keep your hips level. Lastly, don't lift quite so high. You may need to get stronger at a lower level before going to a higher level. Remember to keep in mind the your focus in the beginning is all about Foundation. Stay strong, balanced and grounded from the waist down and you will see amazing changes.

Enjoy the journey!

I have experienced cramping in the arches of my feet. It means your arches are getting stronger! That's a good thing Make sure you're staying hydrated though as cramps can also be a sign of dehydration. Just keep attending your classes and the cramps should subside as your muscles get stronger. Keep up the hard work!!