hey everyone!
first off i'd like to state that i'm not exactly sure if this topic is "up anyone's alley", but here goes. during stretching, cool downs etc. there's one position i can't quite acheive: there is no way, no how i can ever keep my rear end on my heels when i'm stretching out my back (known in yoga as the child pose or bala-asana)!!! to what can i attribute this shortcoming? i've always been quite flexible (despite my extra weight). i'm 31 and a female. i've been doing pilates for almost one year now, before that i did aerobics for 4 years. when i was a teenager i did yoga for a while and was able to bend enough to rest my head on my knees.
i suspect that it may have something to do with one of knees: i usually say that my right knee is crooked. i realize that's ambiguous, but it's hard to explain without a picture so i'll just add the following info: when i stand up straight, my knees press against each other quite firmly and my ankles don't touch. if i try to press my inner thighs together, my knees bump together even harder, but my thighs don't move...also, when i stretch out my quadriceps, they always feel stiff no matter how warmed up i am.
there it is tribe. if anyone can give me a clue or point me in the right direction, i would definately appreciate it.
thanks all!
first off i'd like to state that i'm not exactly sure if this topic is "up anyone's alley", but here goes. during stretching, cool downs etc. there's one position i can't quite acheive: there is no way, no how i can ever keep my rear end on my heels when i'm stretching out my back (known in yoga as the child pose or bala-asana)!!! to what can i attribute this shortcoming? i've always been quite flexible (despite my extra weight). i'm 31 and a female. i've been doing pilates for almost one year now, before that i did aerobics for 4 years. when i was a teenager i did yoga for a while and was able to bend enough to rest my head on my knees.
i suspect that it may have something to do with one of knees: i usually say that my right knee is crooked. i realize that's ambiguous, but it's hard to explain without a picture so i'll just add the following info: when i stand up straight, my knees press against each other quite firmly and my ankles don't touch. if i try to press my inner thighs together, my knees bump together even harder, but my thighs don't move...also, when i stretch out my quadriceps, they always feel stiff no matter how warmed up i am.
there it is tribe. if anyone can give me a clue or point me in the right direction, i would definately appreciate it.
thanks all!
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Re: question about flexibility
Thu, July 21, 2005 - 7:30 AMWell there is something to be said about the angle of your femur and it's connection to your acetabulum [hip joint]. Women do have different angling issues which also affect their legs. Patelo-femoral syndromes are more common in women, but it could merely be a proportionality issue.
Yes, you're right it would honestly be difficult to say without actually seeing you do the pose.
Ah none of what I said helps. Can you take a front/side pic and UL it? -
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Re: question about flexibility
Tue, June 13, 2006 - 6:31 AM"aerobics for 4 years. " when people have strong quads, they can also hinder their flexability. just keep stretching, you'll get there. and as someone previously stated, women have a wider Q-angle, which is the angle of the femur/hip. since you stated that you are bigger, larger frame females generally have a wider Q-angle as well. i just sugest doing more yoga, especially poses that will stretch your hamstrings and quads :D
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Re: question about flexibility
Mon, June 12, 2006 - 6:43 PMHello,
If you still need help with this question...
Try lying down on your stomach and gently pulling your heels towards your buttocks by holding your ankles with your hands. After trying that simple stretch try stretching your hips. Sit with your legs crossed (Indian style) and then reposition them so that one foot is in front of the other rather than being on top of the other. Both legs will still be bent, but on the floor. Once sitting with both legs bent and knees out reach forward so that your belly moves toward your feet. You should feel this in your buttocks and outer thigh. You may have to move the front foot a bit further out. Once you've done that with your feet so that you can stretch the other hip. If you are not familiar with this stretch, ask a knowledgeable trainer or physical therapist how to stretch your hip and buttocks.
Good Luck!
Karen
www.GymnasticsStuff.com
