Hot Yoga Pose Forums > Janushirasana with Paschimottanasana: Separate Leg Stretch

Paula I tend to agree with you - chest lifted before legs straight - but I have seen it work in the reverse too. Irina, to get those shoulders symmetrical, pull those collarbones side to side! And Irene - I would not lift the heels off the floor while your knees are bent! This encourages pulling on the toes with bent knees... dont do that as it may cause some damage, same as kicking out on a bent knee in the standing series

January 16, 2019 | Registered CommenterRhonda Uretzky, E-RYT

I love the stretch in both the Janushirasana and Paschimottanasana. During Paschimottanasana, I like to have a mirror on the side of me to make sure I can keep my back straight. I usually start with it straight and then have to correct once my legs are straight.

August 7, 2020 | Registered CommenterErica

When you get that spot in between your eyebrows on the floor, without the struggle, it is sooooo wonderful . I have found that when pulling on my heels and having the legs straight that my upper body end up right between my feet, forehead to the mat. Its when i am pulling my face to the mat and not straightening my legs its a struggle and my head might be on the mat, but something just doesn't feel right. I enjoy just about every part of this pose, even hanging like a ragdoll and shaking out all that old energy that needs to go.

March 1, 2023 | Registered CommenterLisa N

Lisa, I believe you are talking about Janushirasana with Paschimottanasana, not separate leg stretch as is this Forum. REview this for typos and post on the correct pose forum

April 8, 2023 | Registered CommenterRhonda Uretzky, E-RYT

Now I see!!! Above I was referring to Dandayamana Bipaktapada Paschmottanasana! Paschmottanasana is just sitting on the floor with legs together and pulling your chest foreword to bring forehead to toes. Janushirasana - If I can get this pose perfected on the floor; then standing forehead to knee will come more easily! I am trying to find the center of gravity while on the floor; having my forehead to knee with weight centered and evenly distributed on both sides of my leg. It “sounds” like that should be so simple - yet I am not finding it to be very easy!~ HMMMM maybe that says something about how I balance my life!!!!! I recognize how these are both of balance in my life! Well now where do I start….funny but not so funny!

April 26, 2023 | Registered CommenterLisa N

Lisa, I like how you're "taking yourself lightly" in this pose and your observations about the pose and yourself...good for the nervous system, good for the pose...thats the real secret to every asana.

April 26, 2023 | Unregistered CommenterRhonda Uretzky

Yes it is! I have started using my yoga practice as a way to explore areas that seem to be out of balance - literally and figuratively. As well as heavy and light. I am having fun with it and taking it lightly.

May 3, 2023 | Registered CommenterLisa N