Accessibility and application to other postures/transitions that work in favor of crossed legs are such great points. I used to be a [rather unsuccessful] high crossed legs jumper. I could never get over the fear to get my hips high enough or directly over my shoulders/hands enough and the effort did nothing but heighten my frustration and make me feel like The Avocado. But I learned from one of my teachers that accessing the trapezius and erector spinae give me greater control (and height!) to tuck in my legs for low crossed jump through that was more efficient and gave valuable opportunities to work on my L-sit core strength (to apply to aforesaid postures/transitions). I will pay more attention, too, to the slightly forward-of-the-hands shoulder placement when jumping through with crossed legs; it reminded me of your vid on jumping into Bakasana B. Thank you for providing your clarified take on these jump-through leg positions. Straight legs is something I would like to accomplish at some point but it is not a priority over developing core/shoulder girdle strength and control. Jai!
Hey Christine, thanks for this. It can be useful to identify different positions in the sequence that have fundamental similarities - it makes the positions easier to understand, but also more familiar in feeling. It would be difficult to master the jump to Bakasana B without having integrated the ‘jump through’ to sitting. It seems like you can see that - and it’ll be useful when approaching complex positions. I’m glad the short videos have helped so many people already. The straight legged jump through can definitely be fun too! I’m sure you’ll go back to exploring it further into your journey!
Hey Ethan, wonderful video as usual. I just wanted to make some observations.........and perhaps a little request! I can jump through with crossed legs all on an inhalation, but I tend to go quite high and I note that you've suggested the both jump throughs should be done with low hips.However, I have seen experienced teachers do them that way also - Kino McGregor tends to do high crossed legs, and Iain Grysak has a high straight legs youtube video. My theory is that the strength dynamic is probably different, as you have to learn how to transition from a straighter spine to a rounded one with control whereas when the hips are low, you jump into a rounded spine. Perhaps the kind of strength and control developed could be translated into a posture like karandavasana? Anyhow, I find in my practice that jumping high actually seems to strain my shoulders less due to the that for a split second, they are in a stacked position and then I can really push the ground away while rounding the spine to take my legs through. This brings me to my request. I feel that my shoulders feel a bit more strained when my hips are low because they feel quite weak when my elbows are bent. Somehow, I've also managed to learn how to jump back without significantly bending my elbows (if at all), so I jump back and land in plank then elbows bend into chaturanga. However, this may be stopping me from being able to jump back from padmasana. Could you perhaps do a video on that.........and perhaps how to develop bent elbow strength. Thanks for reading :-)
Thanks for connecting! Much appreciated & it sounds like you’re doing good work to figure out the ideal form for your body. Are you working with a consistent teacher or solo? I’ll definitely put something together on jumping back from Padmasana soon - I’ve had a lot of requests for that one lately!
Thanks @@ethanashtanga - I started out solo, then had a consistent teacher for about 2 years when I started going deeper into intermediate, but since covid happened, I've returned to solo practice.
Thank you so much for another educational video. I am no where closer 😄 as my (L) wrist and (R) shoulder giving me tough time. I will continue watching these tips and be mindful during my practice 💗🧘♀️🤗🕉
You’re so welcome of course - it’s always fine to work on the jump by putting the feet down on your way if you need to take pressure off the arms. Working with a teacher should help find your ideal version to balance comfort with consistent effort. Stay in touch. Wishing you well for your journey.
Great videos! how to put my knees to my chest for all those jump backs and folding? For example, head to my knees, Mari A,B, C? I ha a bit of a tummy and i think that is the main issue, can you help? Thank you. B.
