Stretch in the spine?

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christinana20
Participant

January 31, 2012 at 5:02 am

Post count: 18

#2260

In the dialogue it says that this posture stretches the spine. I however can only feel the stretch in my legs, mostly my hamstrings. How do I get the stretch in my spine.
I have been able at times to get my head to the floor, and am working on trying to get more of my forehead to the floor and closer in between my feet.
Thanks, Christina

Andrea.*F.
Participant

February 13, 2012 at 3:31 am

Post count: 78

#9291

Hello Christina,

I am one of the graduates from Gabrielle’s teacher training, I hope you don’t mind if I reply to your post.

Firstly can I just confirm that you need assistance with separate leg stretching and not separate leg stretching forehead to knee pose?

I can just move your post to the relevant thread once you confirm that =)

Thank you!

Namaste,

Andrea

christinana20
Participant

February 19, 2012 at 2:29 am

Post count: 18

#9324

You’re right Andrea, I am talking about standing separate leg stretching. It’s the pose right BEFORE triangle.
Thanks, Christina

Andrea.*F.
Participant

February 19, 2012 at 5:08 am

Post count: 78

#9325

Hi Christina,

Ok, now we are in the right place 🙂 Thanks for clarifying that!

Oh yes! The good old ‘but the dialogue says’ question…To say that you should feel a stretch in the spine is a vague and very imprecise statement! Where exactly in the spine? From your coccyx up to your skull or just a certain part?… I do understand why you might find that confusing!
First can you please explain me: what your outcome AND priorities are in this pose? Are your legs straight? What about your arms? Are they bent or straight?

I personally only feel a lovely stretch in the back of my legs and the thoracic spine and as far as I know (from Gabrielle)- that’s quite alright 🙂

I am looking forward to hearing from you!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Namaste,

Andrea

christinana20
Participant

February 20, 2012 at 2:05 am

Post count: 18

#9352

Hi again Andrea,
My arms are bent and I can lock my knees. And I have been able to get my forehead to touch the floor a couple of times if I’m properly stretched, but even then I do not feel any stretch in my spine, only in the back of my legs. You’re right though, I’m probably getting a little too wrapped up in the specifics of the dialogue. 🙂
Thanks, Christina

Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
Forum Owner

March 6, 2012 at 1:40 am

Post count: 3048

#9404

Hi Christina

The absolute aim of the pose is to get the back straight! That’s the priority. Legs straight is a bonus. AND head to the floor is not only a temporary landmark it is something you should not try to let happen as your goal.

Getting your head to the floor is an indication that it is time to bring your feet in closer together so that you can amplify the stretch and keep opening up your body… BUT, and here’s the proviso … ONLY if your back and your legs are straight. Otherwise there is actually no reason to aim your head to the floor. The extension of the neck there and therefore the perception that your forehead is approaching the floor is simply the shape you need to get your back straight.

I hope that makes some sense. Perhaps the change in focus will start to see you make even greater gains.

Let me know if that resonates or if it needs more explanation. 😉

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂
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