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Yoga for Absolute Beginners: Sukhasana and Dandasana

Beginner I
(191 Reviews)
PREMIUM

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In this class, David shows you how to comfortably sit on the floor in two of yoga's more common seated positions, easy cross-legged (sukhasana) and staff pose (dandasana). He also helps you understand some of the basic yoga principles as you learn how to stretch your body effectively. This class is a part of a 'Yoga for Beginners' series. If you're a beginner who would like to learn more about yoga, check out our Yoga for Beginners page.

Looking for more of a challenge? Check out the 14-Day Intermediate Challenge here.

Equipment

  • Blankets
  • Block
  • Bolster

Focus

  • Flexibility
  • Hips
  • Spine

Style

  • Gentle Yoga
  • Hatha Yoga
PianoWire
April 6, 2020
Comment:

This lesson, my first, was discouraging. I'm healthy and fit, but not at all flexible. The twists made me wince and groan. In staff pose, I couldn't straighten my legs beyond 90 degrees without rolling back on my sit bones. With straight elbows and interlocked fingers, I couldn't get my arms more than 45 degrees above horizontal. If this is really the most basic beginner lesson available, I wonder whether I'm just not flexible enough to be attempting yoga. What do you suggest? Is there a different "absolute beginner" series for people who aren't flexible? Should I move on the next lesson in this series, or would that risk injury? Give up yoga and try something else instead?

Comment Replies

David Procyshyn
April 7, 2020
Comment:

Hi there.
I can understand feeling discouraged - I was there myself when I first started out. I could barely straighten my legs are raise my hands over my head either, due to competitive sports and injuries. She said that I should simply "start where I am at". If you need to bend your knees to keep your back straight, that's what you need to do! The best thing you can do is not feel like you need to look like everyone else. It's simply too discouraging. Let it all go and do what works for your body.

It's ok to move onto the next videos, but I would repeat this one a few times so you can get used to how to adapt your body to the poses. If you can, do a video daily so your body can get used to it. Also, continue to ask questions below the videos so we can help!

MichelleE
March 24, 2020
Comment:

Thank you for making these videos. We’re stuck in quarantine, and your beginning classes have helped us stay healthy and positive. How wonderful to have some healing throughout this anxious time.

MKanders
October 29, 2019
Comment:

Thank you for offering these classes and your newsletter. I am so excited to get started on this new journey of self-discovery and the health benefits that come with consistent practice.

sng4ever
October 17, 2019
Comment:

Great for me to help others as I go through YTT. David is always great with insructions.

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