Uttanasana

I am hyper-extending my hamstrings in uttanasana (and likely a lot of other standing poses, such as wide-legged forward bend prasarita).  The hyper-extension is resulting in a bit of a pain at the top of the back thigh.

So, now I know what's causing it and will back off.  The thing is, I was so stiff when I started out I didn't think it would be possible for me to hyper-extend.  Now years of doing yoga has changed my body, so I need to rethink how I approach things.

I went googling for an illustration of the 'wrong' way but instead came across the 'YogaTed'.... very cute!  But also sad, because the artist has developed Parkinsons and no longer draws.  Cards and stickers are available from Ruth White Yoga. 

Yoga Ted should help me keep things in perspective - in more ways than one.

photo credit