Pose Modifications Pt. 2

Ever have days when you get to class and one pose or another just isn’t working for you? The great thing about your yoga practice is that it’s just that - IT’S YOURS! That means that you should listen to your body, and feel empowered to modify your practice to best fit your needs. 

Recently, we walked you through some ways to easily modify a few common yoga poses. Well, we’re back with more modifications to help you feel your best on your mat! 

Halfway Lift

Halfway Lift is a multipurpose pose that improves posture by strengthening backline muscles and improves breath via the lengthening of the frontline. Depending on the flexibility of your hamstrings, it can be tricky to keep a long, flat back in this posture. 

Try this modification: Put a generous bend in your knees and place your hands on your thighs instead of your shins.

Side Plank

Side Plank can build tons of core and upper body strength. A notoriously challenging pose, Side Plank can still be very effective when modified.  

Try this modification: Bring your bottom knee to the floor to support your side body and wrists  and to prevent your hips from dropping.

Crow Pose

Practicing Crow Pose often can help to strengthen and stabilize shoulder muscles and joints. While getting in to Crow successfully does require a lot of strength, the posture is just as much about balance.  

Try this modification: If you are struggling building strength towards balance in your Crow Pose, try keeping your toes on the ground. 

Triangle Pose

Triangle Pose is a fundamental posture of yoga that engages many muscle groups and teaches the body to behave as a whole. A key part of Triangle Pose is keeping  long side bodies, which can prove challenging at times. 

Try this modification: In order to keep your side bodies long and stabilize your pelvis, place a block below your bottom hand.

Revolved Crescent Lunge

Revolved Crescent Lunge supports healthy spine mobility and hydration. This pose can be done in different ways, depending on what you’re looking for from the posture. 

Try this modification: If you want to focus on deepening your twist in Revolved Crescent Lunge, bring your back knee to the floor. 

Savasana

Savasana is an extremely restorative posture that promotes complete relaxation of the physical body and presence for the mind. If your body needs anything special at the end of your practice, Savasana is a great place to take that. 

Try this modification: To add more hip opening to your Savasana, put your feet together and let your knees fall open.