Hello encaramada
Good news! You are not doing it wrongly. You are just in need of a good stretch (and maybe some hydration and electrolyte supplementation). :cheese:
Creating movement and space in these areas is most likely going to fix the problem. The hot room is going to make it so much easier for you too.
Your problem is that you want to lock the leg because you want to participate in the class! I would suggest the following:
@ make sure you are well hydrated
@ make sure you take electrolytes. It is crucial for proper muscle function that you have healthy levels of potassium, calcium and magnesium
@ ease into your positions. Use the heat to full advantage to stretch those muscles.
@ test your locking leg and if you are getting pain and cramping, then simply stop. Don’t stretch vigorously against the cramp. Sometimes you need to let the cramp ride out and ‘resolve’ before stretching against it. Feel comfortable that your work on the floor in Head to Knee and Paschimottanasana for example is going to help you gain the stretch and strength to be able to lock your leg.
The other poses that will help you greatly to stretch are Standing Sep Leg Intense Stretch and Hands to Feet pose. Check out the technique for the intense stretch pose at:
Open up your hamstrings with hot yoga. It opens up the WHOLE backside of the body not just the hamstrings. Keep this as your intention in both of these poses.
Please keep us posted as to your progress or any other questions or concerns
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂
