Guest guest Posted December 5, 2005 Report Share Posted December 5, 2005 Hello. I'm new to the group and to Astanga as well. I have a bit of a problem that hopefully someone can help me with. I'm having a lot of difficulty in doing the balancing poses. Of course my being a newbie is a factor. But i was wondering, does my being flatfooted also affect my balance? And if so, does this mean that i will never be able to execute the balanced poses without teetertottering? Is there such as thing as a flat footed yogi? Are there flat footed practitioners in this group as well? Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer my query. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 12, 2005 Report Share Posted December 12, 2005 Hello flat footed yogis, Alas, flat feet are a problem for many, likely a lifetime of arch collapsing and natural anatomical differences. However, if you do practice diligently and regularly (especially the standing poses), you may actually be able to see an arch re-appearing in your feet. It is especially important to consciously "create" a little arch in your feet in the standing poses. Engage the lower calf when you stand to help with this. The balancing poses will also help - with these poses, you will help to build the tiny muscles around your joints that help you to control your balance. In addition, you will hone the brain's ability to communicate quickly with those muscles, allowing you to make micromovements to keep yourself from falling over. Be patient with yourself, and you will certainly improve your balance soon! And your feet may get a little arch too... Best... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2005 Report Share Posted December 14, 2005 One of my students has extremely flat feet, which has made balance for standing poses quite difficult. I've had him focus on really pushing down on the big toe in standing poses and drawing up from the inner arches of the feet. I've also had him focus on staying strong in the back leg when appropriate (i.e. virabradrasana A or B, trikonasana, etc.). He's made some huge improvements--a lot of it seems to be practice too. I'm always amazed at how yoga allows for working w/ & making improvement w/ different limitations, be it flat feet or short arms or some other physical challenge. Namaste, Megan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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