heels together in cobra pose

heels together in cobra pose2012-11-08T04:24:26+00:00
Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • gummisteph
    Participant
    Post count: 41

    I have noticed some teachers will instruct to keep your heels together in cobra pose and others don’t. I’ve been called out before for this in class, but it seems no matter how hard I try I just can’t get my heels to touch. Its not as if my feet are inches apart, my toes are pointed and touching, just not my heels. I am wondering if this is something that speaks to poor alignment on my part or if some peoples bone structure just doesn’t allow it.
    If it is important, I have recently been instructed during other poses to keep my heels together (most notably standing breathing, half-moon and Paschimotthanasana). I had no problem adjusting to keeping my heels together in the standing poses, but paschimotthanasana is still hard for me to do with heels together. It seems to access a different stretch, which in turn doesn’t allow me to pull my upper body as low as I’m used to, as well as being somewhat painful (but not alarmingly slow, more just uncomfortable) and sometimes causes one of my hips to kind of pop in and out of where its supposed to be.

    Sara V
    Participant
    Post count: 19

    Hi Stephanie,

    I am a graduate of Gabrielle’s teacher training in Costa Rica. Having taught for over a year now I can tell you that MANY of my students need to keep a slight space between their heels. It’s far more important to keep your hips in alignment than to get your heels to touch. Peoples bone structures do vary, personally I keep a slight space between mine. 😉 I’m hoping that by keeping where the bunion bones would touch on your feet together, hips and knees square to the mirror that you will feel more balance in all of those “heel together” postures. Let me know what your experiences are.

    I hope this helps! I look forward to hearing from you.

    Namaste,

    Sara

    Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
    Forum Owner
    Post count: 3047

    Hi Stephanie

    It could be a body geometry thing. It is possible to get them together, but it is not essential. Line up the legs together. Notice the external rotation of the legs when you squeeze the bottom. This should be bring heels closer together. But then of course you are trying to get the tops of the feet on the floor. So for you, you just want greatest leverage. Where is that for you? Quick thought/question: Are your ankles straight too (in line with the shins and feet?

    Oh, PS this is not a big deal. ;)Just thought we can find some extra distinctions for you!

    Namaste
    Gabrielle 🙂

Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

Title

Go to Top