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.

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.