I have only taken about 17-18 classes and have noticed that my right hamstring is very sore and will not stretch out as much as my left side. I do not recall having this issue within my first 10 classes. I feel this mostly in both the forehead to knee postures. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem and if so about how long it might take before I don't feel this pain (I know that everyone is different also). In addition to that I just found out that I have a right shoulder impingement so I'm going to have to modify some of my postures until I feel some relief, which hopefully is soon.

PS - I really really like yoga and I'm so glad that started this practice. I have never felt better. I love the way it detox's and relieves all the stress and I feel more refreshed afterwards than I did beforehand.

Thanks!

April,
I am so happy that practicing at Sunstone is giving you so many wonderful benefits. You will continue to see more over time.
Presuming the pain is in the leg that is kicking out.... Noticing the differences from on side of the body as opposed to the other are a great sign that you are gaining body awareness. This can occur in other postures as well. For example, in cow face, I find I can grip when my right arm is on top, but not quite when my left arm is on top. My first reccomendation is to not force a symmetry on both sides. Instead go only as far as your weaker side. This will help balance your body instead of creating a larger gap between both legs. Never force anything. Your body will open over time so enjoy the journey.
Presuming the pain is in the standing leg... Engage the muscles in your calf, thigh and gluteus strong, then straighten as much as you can without losing that strength. This will help protect your knee and hamstring.
Regarding your shoulder modifications. Ask your teachers what the best modifications are to give you the greatest benefit in each posture. We LOVE talking about yoga

Hi April - I am on my 45th class. About 6 weeks ago, so around my 30th class, I started having similar issues. I had previous back and knee problems, so it was really important for me to take a step back and start listening to my body.

One thing that I have started doing is going back to the basics when the teachers walk us through the poses. I was extending my legs out in standing forehead to knee. Then I started having pain on one side, but tried to push through it. I ended up pushing too hard on the side of my body that was weak, while continuing to build strength on my body's other side. This only made things worse, as my body was getting more and more out of balance.

I realized that I was not fully strong in standing wind relieving - my standing leg was not really straight and strong - and by pushing forward to kicking out my leg, I was not doing what I need to do in order to have a safe practice.

Tell the teachers before class what you are feeling and ask them to help you with modifications for the poses. I concentrate on the building blocks (staying in standing wind relieving and not kickign out until I really am strong) and I am also modifying other poses - standing bow and floor bow for example - so that I am building strength with the correct muscle groups and protecting my body where it hurts.

The teachers have been wonderful - helping me with modifications to poses, adjusting me during class so I am comfortable yet strong. Let them know how you are feeling and ask them for guidance - they will help you through your practice and help you feel better. Namaste

Susan, I really agree with your points about returning to the basics. I share the point of view that if there is a problem with doing a pose, it's not likely the new thing you are trying to do, but some more pervious element in the pose that needs some work. And generally speaking, any time spent strengthening the fundamentals of a posture is never time wasted.