Hi Becks
The first thing that popped into my head was that perhaps you are experiencing some strain in your upper body. I was wondering if it was at all possible that you are applying a little too much effort from your shoulders? Then I awoke this morning to find that Amy and you have been exploring that together. :cheese:
In my experience I have found that although there is challenge in this pose and one works really hard, that with the legs straight there is a sort of ease in the breath. Would you try this pose even at home and see if and where you are feeling any sort of strain.
If abdomino-diaphragmatic breath is not working for you in this case, then you could try diaphragmatic chest breathing (holding the tummy in and allowing the lower ribs and chest to expand somewhat).
The other thing is that you could see if you can more consciously let go of your hip muscles and your lower back muscles as you lift your hips up. Sometimes the focus can be so strongly on the legs locking out that people forget that there are muscles that you have to let go of.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂
