In practicing Power Yoga, extended side angle quickly became a regular pose for me. But honestly, I often dreaded it. (I once faked a sneeze so that I could break posture without “giving up.”) Yet over time, I grew to love it. I knew yoga was great for flexibility—it had done wonders for my anxiety, and made me strong. Extended side angle in particular made me feel fierce! I developed core muscles that I never knew I had. The strong stance in my legs made me feel powerful. The depth in my hips felt juicy and necessary. The extension in my side sculpted my waist. All of a sudden I realized that I had obliques! Extended side angle is one of many poses that lead me to a new physical level, but it is one that shines brightly in my heart.
After a decade of practice and four years as a teacher, I understand frustration when a pose seems far from reach. Now I explore the benefits of postures from many different levels and do my best to offer students options. No one should ever feel like they have to “opt out” of a pose. They may just need a different option, and that’s okay.
Check out a demonstration of extended side angle at www.checkgearlife.com/julia. I hope this makes it better for you!
You can check out Julia’s gear at www.checkgearlife.com.
Namaste!
