I have been doing Bikram Hot Yoga for 3-4 years and am very appreciative for my
practice. I am curious tho why it seems I have not been able to effect any
change in one area– head to knee pose ( 2nd to last pose before final
breathing) The fact is my leg still cannot lay flat on the floor while I
cradle my foot and pull my toes toward my body. I would estimate my knee is
off the floor 8-10 inches . Standing head to knee is also very hard….I
often cannot get beyond the first part of the pose.
A few months ago I learned off the pose I can do to assist with tight hips (
forget the name ) but its about sitting on the floor with my legs out in
front , knees both bent at 90 degrees and stacked exactly upon each other.
Then drawing in a breath, lifting my spine out of my hips then bending
forward and breathing thru an intense stretch. This feels very effective. I
do it every day at home along with some sets of boat pose + Gabrielle’s core
exercise with ball while laying down. I probably get to 3-4 studio classes a
week , plus once to the gym for light weights + treadmill sprinting.
A few weeks ago I added the following to my daily home routine. Sit on the
floor with legs straight out in front of me, relaxed with entire leg relaxed
and touching the floor from ankle to hip. Using a towel around my feet ,
breathe in, spine lifted out of hips, , shoulders down + relaxed I pull
gently on the towel as I try to bend forward from my hips. I still cannot
bend / move my body past 90 degrees towards my feet ( without rounding my
spine).
I have never had any leg, knee or hip surgery, altho I was moderately
overweight from ages 3- 20.
I dont want to get frustrated so Id appreciate all comments. Sorry for the
long-windedness
