Explore the benefits of Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog) in this detailed guide. Learn variations, modifications, and essential cues to make this vital yoga pose accessible and beneficial for all skill levels. Enhance your practice with expert tips.

One of the most common complaints from new yoga students is wrist pain and soreness. Many have not done weight-bearing exercises on their hands before, and it takes time to build up strength. It is important to address wrist pain early to avoid it becoming worse and to prevent long-term issues. In this article, I’ll cover why yoga wrist pain occurs, how to prevent it, and modifications to common poses that place less pressure on the wrists. Those experiencing wrist pain can still practice yoga if they adapt their practice for awhile, allowing their hands and wrists to heal.

There has always been some controversy around how to teach Pigeon pose, with some teachers focused on specific alignment cues. In my classes, it is clear that everyone cannot place their shin parallel to the front of the mat, and many people cannot square their hips to the front of the mat either. Everyone’s body is unique, and the way that works for one person may be completely wrong for another person.

Given that our students often encounter images of the traditional Dancer pose on social media, there's a common misconception that the pose is entirely out of their reach. In many of the photos, a young person is reaching over their heads and holding their foot, sometimes even cradling their head in the sole of their foot! It’s true, that most of us cannot do this intense version, however there are many modified variations of Dancer Pose that are quite accessible and fun to practice. The benefits of Natarajasana, even for beginners practicing the modified variations, are huge!

Wide Legged Forward Bend is a staple pose that I frequently include in my classes. I always offer modifications because my classes tend to have students of all levels, including those over 50. As teachers we have to quickly evaluate students attending class and make a decision as to what variations of the pose to offer and who might need options. In today’s post, I’m first covering often-asked cueing questions from newer teachers, and then I’ll return to basics and review modifications, benefits, sequencing, and variations.