What equipment do I need? No equipment required except some space on a firm surface, although a yoga mat will be more comfortable. If you have 1-2 yoga blocks and a small pillow around you, they will prove helpful.
I’m not getting a stretch. What am I doing wrong? Keep your muscles activated, working isometric engagements AS you hold the stretch. Play with different angles and depths to find ideal stretches. Feel free to embellish on what’s offered or back off if it’s so intense your breath is affected.
I’m new to yoga. Is this appropriate for me? Yes! This is a really accessible and easy way to begin your practice. Listen carefully to my cues, listen even more to your body (sharp pain, pressure in joints, tingling and any other weird pain outside of muscle stretch sensation is NOT something to ignore), and BREATHE deeply.
I can’t do what you’re doing. Help! You don’t need to take the exact shape I am in these stretches. You may be much higher or lower—doesn’t matter. What does matter is how it feels—trust yourself and change it up a bit to find the stretch intensity that feels good.