This posture has 4 distinct stages; the journey from stage to stage can take a lifetime, but it is the journey that counts. The key to this posture is do not move onto the next stage until you have enjoyed the success and completed the one before it.
Also note you can be between stages, not fully arrived at the next one, but on your way! Each stage you are further enhancing a forward bending arc of your spine, so your back is always supported along the way.
Your standing leg is your foundation and must be solid before you move on. The standing leg must be straight and supported by muscle contraction of the butt and thighs. This can take time to build, be patient!
By creating this shape of the spine you are building the flexibility of your lower back while building the strength of your abdominal wall, by lengthening it and sucking it in to support your lower back. You might notice in class many different people in different stages of the posture. Go slow, build your foundation and work to stay standing on 1 foot for the duration of the posture, even if you don’t manage to grab your foot yet. Your hard work WILL pay off!
