Thank you so much!! This explains so much! I struggle with EVERYTHING you mentioned. I have been practicing yoga for over 10 years and nobody has mentioned this. I feel so validated!
Thank you so much for this video! For years I've tried to have a consistent yoga practice but I kept giving up after thinking "my body is not made for yoga." Just tried a sun salutation using your block tip and WOW! Can't believe none of my teachers over the years suggested this but I can't wait to walk into my next class clutching my blocks in my teeny tiny arms!
I’m excited to implement these tips for my next practice! I really like yoga, but had to start practicing at home and stop going to the beginner class because the instructor kept coming up while I was attempting poses and trying to physically force my arms and legs into positions I cannot do (especially anything that requires you to reach back and grab an ankle!) as I am doubly cursed with not just short arms and legs, but a long torso as well! Classes were becoming too embarrassing because I always felt like the instructor was singling me out for not being able to achieve the poses she wanted me to be in, but insisting I could do them if I just worked my core harder. I just assumed I’d never be able to do yoga “properly”, so this video gives me a lot of hope for being able to try out more poses!
Thank you so much for this - I’ve realized that all of the exercises you’ve shown were particularly difficult for me and suspected that my arms were just way shorter than other peoples arms.. 😅 This video resonated sooo much with me.. 🥰 thanks!
I keep telling people I have short arms, and they tell me the same thing - “Just work on your core” - and I’m like, but no, really, my arms are short. I was a gymnast and could never get a press handstand and I think the mechanics of my body make it extra hard. Probably not impossible, just way more difficult. So I’m glad I’m not just making up stuff in my head… so jealous of long-armed folks 😂
I found my people!! I struggled badly and i just cannot do head stand. Because i realized my elbow are too short and it doesnt supoort my head. My teacher keep pushing me to push thru my shoulder... i just cannot do it.
I absolutely hear you! I have not personally tried it, but I've seen some amazing headstand prop support that look like they would support us folks with shorter arms.
Ha! I think I found my "tribe!" I have had several yoga instructors who had no appreciation for the "near armed." One that was truly puzzled at my staff pose.
Oh, and there are a lot of instructors who share how to take a pose "further," but don't share how to modify a pose to make it work for those with other body parts. "Just use a block or a strap" (with the "if you have to" implied but not spoken) without any further direction.
Right! Proportions barely get a mention in postures hey! It's understandable, but also unfortunate that many teachers explain the felt sense of a posture, based only on what they themselves feel when they do the posture. My big thing is, what is the intention of the shape? Rather than what you think it is supposed to "do" or "feel like." Thank you so much for your interest and engagement wit this video.
Karina, thank you so much for your wonderful explanation on short arms. I've been doing yoga for a few years and always struggle with binds and exactly what you explained. You are awesome. Thanks for putting this video out there for all us short people!
Oh my god ! Thank you so much. Thats my struggle and no teacher told me that. Same for dolphin pause... so hard when your arms are short, we dont have the same space.
A million thank yous for this! No wonder there is so much I can't do! I can't do much of what you expained and now I realize why! Can't pull my leg through from a down dog to a lunge; struggle with the jump backs! Camel; Binds and so much more. After three years I thought I was the most inflexible person in the world! Not to mention those round shoulders in table top! thank you thank you thank you!
You are so welcome. We are not all built the same, and therefore our practice has to be different from person to person. I hope that the use of blocks in your practice has started to create a lot more access to postures that you always wanted to flow into.
Hey J. That is a great idea for another video identifying and normalising proportions. Thanks for the feedback, and I'm so glad this video was helpful for you.
Finally I understand why I strugle so much. I’m only wondering how to use the blocks during flow yoga. With my short arms there is not so much flow going…. 🤣
It is the missing piece of the puzzle! You might find it helpful to have a block at the top of your mat and use them for the whole sun solutions part of the flow.
Thank you so much. All I have ever heard was that my core was too weak, but if I want to press onto the floor in dandasana, I have to use those finger joints that bind fingers to the palm :D Even when I said to the teachers that my arms are just too short, they just always looked at me with that "oh silly you, one day you will know" allknowing look :')
nope, its a proportion thing. Those teachers just had long enough arms to do it, and can't understand what is happening for you. I hope this brings you deep comfort and liberation xx
I've always hated yoga because it doesn't make any sense for my body with short arms, a long torso, and long legs. I've never had an instructor offer any sort of adjustment. They just tell me either I'm working too hard, or to work harder and build more strength. This is the first time I've seen anyone address the geometric reality of different proportions in yoga.
I'm so sorry it has taken so long for someone to address this realistic fact about anatomy for you. Proportions are undeniable and will make a huge difference to a persons comfort in yoga. I hope this was helpful for you to find more support in your practice xx
That is a great idea for a video. A great tip that I didn't mention is the use of a yoga strap. So for binds where you might be trying to hold your hands together and it puts too much stress on your shoulder joints such as prasarita pad C, or any of the marichy arm binds (if you practice ashtanga) you could hold a strap between your hands to give you more length, if that makes sense.
just curious how is adjusting your car seat for you? I find I tend to get upper back pain on long drives trying to hold my arms straight up towards the steering wheel, I'm either leaning my seat forward or overstretching my back - while I see other people reclined back and arms relaxed.. people tell me to just move the seat forward but I have long legs and then they bend and hit the steering wheel... but I suspected I have short arms 😅 not as your short as yours, but I can tell in certain situations, including yoga, something is a bit off. I appreciate someone else pointing that some support is appropriate.
Awesome question! My seat headrest is one of those ones that pushes your head forward. I took it out, and turned it around and now the flat part is where my head rests. Solved lots of discomfort issues for me in my shoulders and upper body!
Add lots of props under your back in hero's pose if reclining. If not, then sit up on 1 or 2 stacked blocks/tuck a rolled up pair of socks behind your knee creases. Long torso camels pose, try having a soft bend in your elbows xx
Thank you so much!! This explains so much! I struggle with EVERYTHING you mentioned. I have been practicing yoga for over 10 years and nobody has mentioned this. I feel so validated!
it truly is the missing piece. Proportions!
Thank you so much for this video! For years I've tried to have a consistent yoga practice but I kept giving up after thinking "my body is not made for yoga." Just tried a sun salutation using your block tip and WOW! Can't believe none of my teachers over the years suggested this but I can't wait to walk into my next class clutching my blocks in my teeny tiny arms!
Oh wow this is fantastic! Your whole yoga practice is about to open up. I'm so glad you did not give up. xxx
This convinced me to not give up on yoga
hooray!
I’m excited to implement these tips for my next practice! I really like yoga, but had to start practicing at home and stop going to the beginner class because the instructor kept coming up while I was attempting poses and trying to physically force my arms and legs into positions I cannot do (especially anything that requires you to reach back and grab an ankle!) as I am doubly cursed with not just short arms and legs, but a long torso as well! Classes were becoming too embarrassing because I always felt like the instructor was singling me out for not being able to achieve the poses she wanted me to be in, but insisting I could do them if I just worked my core harder. I just assumed I’d never be able to do yoga “properly”, so this video gives me a lot of hope for being able to try out more poses!
Wow! Thank you! I struggle in my practice with my short arms and legs and now I finally found something really helpful :)
Thank you so much for this - I’ve realized that all of the exercises you’ve shown were particularly difficult for me and suspected that my arms were just way shorter than other peoples arms.. 😅 This video resonated sooo much with me.. 🥰 thanks!
This is music to my ears. x
I keep telling people I have short arms, and they tell me the same thing - “Just work on your core” - and I’m like, but no, really, my arms are short.
I was a gymnast and could never get a press handstand and I think the mechanics of my body make it extra hard. Probably not impossible, just way more difficult. So I’m glad I’m not just making up stuff in my head… so jealous of long-armed folks 😂
I'm jealous of them too! But honestly, it really is a matter of bone length! Sorry you had to endure all of that anatomy gaslighting.
Excellent! This knowledge and teaching is absent in so many yoga classes.
Thank you. I feel like my arms should be long enough. But I just can’t make it through without going on fingertips. This is really helpful.
you are very welcome x
I found my people!! I struggled badly and i just cannot do head stand. Because i realized my elbow are too short and it doesnt supoort my head. My teacher keep pushing me to push thru my shoulder... i just cannot do it.
I absolutely hear you! I have not personally tried it, but I've seen some amazing headstand prop support that look like they would support us folks with shorter arms.
Ha! I think I found my "tribe!" I have had several yoga instructors who had no appreciation for the "near armed." One that was truly puzzled at my staff pose.
Oh, and there are a lot of instructors who share how to take a pose "further," but don't share how to modify a pose to make it work for those with other body parts. "Just use a block or a strap" (with the "if you have to" implied but not spoken) without any further direction.
Right! Proportions barely get a mention in postures hey! It's understandable, but also unfortunate that many teachers explain the felt sense of a posture, based only on what they themselves feel when they do the posture. My big thing is, what is the intention of the shape? Rather than what you think it is supposed to "do" or "feel like." Thank you so much for your interest and engagement wit this video.
Karina, thank you so much for your wonderful explanation on short arms. I've been doing yoga for a few years and always struggle with binds and exactly what you explained. You are awesome. Thanks for putting this video out there for all us short people!
My absolute pleasure! I'm so glad it was helpful for you xxx
Oh my god ! Thank you so much. Thats my struggle and no teacher told me that. Same for dolphin pause... so hard when your arms are short, we dont have the same space.
Thank you so much 😢❤
A million thank yous for this! No wonder there is so much I can't do! I can't do much of what you expained and now I realize why! Can't pull my leg through from a down dog to a lunge; struggle with the jump backs! Camel; Binds and so much more. After three years I thought I was the most inflexible person in the world! Not to mention those round shoulders in table top! thank you thank you thank you!
You are so welcome. We are not all built the same, and therefore our practice has to be different from person to person. I hope that the use of blocks in your practice has started to create a lot more access to postures that you always wanted to flow into.
Yasss….the struggle is real!
right!!!! And you are not alone xxx
@@DrKarinaSmith lol yes…my little T-rex arms can only do so much!
Thank you for this great video!! ❤️ This is new motivation for me and my short arms in yoga!
hooray!
Finally! Someone who gets me! Can you please address short femurs, too? I believe that makes a difference, also. Ty
Hey J. That is a great idea for another video identifying and normalising proportions. Thanks for the feedback, and I'm so glad this video was helpful for you.
Finally I understand why I strugle so much. I’m only wondering how to use the blocks during flow yoga. With my short arms there is not so much flow going…. 🤣
It is the missing piece of the puzzle! You might find it helpful to have a block at the top of your mat and use them for the whole sun solutions part of the flow.
Mine can't either! It is impossible to get certain poses to work without blocks.
Use the blocks, it is life changing! And don't listen to anyone say you should not need them.
Thank you so much. All I have ever heard was that my core was too weak, but if I want to press onto the floor in dandasana, I have to use those finger joints that bind fingers to the palm :D Even when I said to the teachers that my arms are just too short, they just always looked at me with that "oh silly you, one day you will know" allknowing look :')
nope, its a proportion thing. Those teachers just had long enough arms to do it, and can't understand what is happening for you. I hope this brings you deep comfort and liberation xx
woow thank you soooo much for this video!!! I'm in the exacte same situation x)
You're so welcome!
I've always hated yoga because it doesn't make any sense for my body with short arms, a long torso, and long legs. I've never had an instructor offer any sort of adjustment. They just tell me either I'm working too hard, or to work harder and build more strength. This is the first time I've seen anyone address the geometric reality of different proportions in yoga.
I'm so sorry it has taken so long for someone to address this realistic fact about anatomy for you. Proportions are undeniable and will make a huge difference to a persons comfort in yoga. I hope this was helpful for you to find more support in your practice xx
Thanks for this I’m a man couldn’t do l sit I thought I was weird
Do you have a video about alternative binds? Not sure how blocks can help me there. Thank you!
That is a great idea for a video. A great tip that I didn't mention is the use of a yoga strap. So for binds where you might be trying to hold your hands together and it puts too much stress on your shoulder joints such as prasarita pad C, or any of the marichy arm binds (if you practice ashtanga) you could hold a strap between your hands to give you more length, if that makes sense.
I can't figure out a good strap posture to lie on my back, bend my knees and grab my ankles.
Is this for a happy baby type position? Could you hold the backs of your thighs?
@DrKarinaSmith I do ok with happy baby. I am not sure what it is called. I tried the blocks though and it made some things much more doable
omg I am the same
just curious how is adjusting your car seat for you? I find I tend to get upper back pain on long drives trying to hold my arms straight up towards the steering wheel, I'm either leaning my seat forward or overstretching my back - while I see other people reclined back and arms relaxed.. people tell me to just move the seat forward but I have long legs and then they bend and hit the steering wheel... but I suspected I have short arms 😅 not as your short as yours, but I can tell in certain situations, including yoga, something is a bit off. I appreciate someone else pointing that some support is appropriate.
Awesome question! My seat headrest is one of those ones that pushes your head forward. I took it out, and turned it around and now the flat part is where my head rests. Solved lots of discomfort issues for me in my shoulders and upper body!
@@DrKarinaSmith I have heard other people do that too! I wonder if I can do that in my car... nice to hear that helps!
Thank you so so much for this. It is life changing. Now what about bad knees and hero’s pose? Will I ever camel pose w long torso???😢
Add lots of props under your back in hero's pose if reclining. If not, then sit up on 1 or 2 stacked blocks/tuck a rolled up pair of socks behind your knee creases. Long torso camels pose, try having a soft bend in your elbows xx
Brilliant
thankyou x