WHY SOME YOGA POSES FEEL SO HARD (AND WHAT TO DO INSTEAD)

Let’s be honest — some parts of yoga are really hard. If you’ve ever been in a vinyasa class and thought, “How on earth do people make this look so easy?”, you’re definitely not the only one.

In my recent mini-series, “Oof! That’s Kind of Hard!” I broke down some of the most common moments in yoga classes that tend to challenge people — even those who’ve been practicing for a while. Because, while yoga is about more than the poses, it helps to understand why certain movements feel tricky, and what you can do to make them work for your body.

EPISODE 1: STEPPING THROUGH FROM THREE-LEGGED DOG TO LUNGE

That smooth transition from Three-Legged Dog to High Lunge can feel impossible sometimes — and that’s okay! In this video, I share why it’s actually a tricky move (hint: it’s not just you!) and show a couple of options you can use to make it easier, so you can stay in your flow without stopping to adjust.

EPISODE 2: SIDE ANGLE POSE AND THE BIND (WITH OR WITHOUT A STRAP)

You don’t need to force a full bind for your pose to “count.” In this episode, I break down Extended Side Angle and the famous bind — and show you how to use a strap to safely open your shoulders if you want to explore it. The takeaway? The bind is optional. Comfort and connection come first.

EPISODE 3: THE VINYASA — PLANK, CHATURANGA, UPWARD DOG

Let’s normalize struggling with this sequence! The classic vinyasa transition challenges strength, stability, and coordination all at once. Here I share a few simple modifications to help you flow safely — with options for every body and energy level.

EPISODE 4: BUILDING ARM STRENGTH FOR YOGA

Feeling wobbly in your plank or chaturanga? You’re not the only one. This video focuses on easy ways to build arm and shoulder strength for yoga — with prop-assisted lowers, push-up variations, and supportive drills that actually work. Progress, not perfection.

EPISODE 5: BREAKING DOWN THE STEP-THROUGH - THE ANATOMY BEHIND IT

Back by popular demand! In this episode, we take another look at the step-through — but this time, from an anatomy perspective. Learn how to create space by pressing the ground away, engaging your core, and lifting through your hips to give your foot a clear path forward. A little understanding goes a long way.

EPISODE 6: WHY YOGA POSES FEEL SO HARD - A BIT OF HISTORY

Ever wondered where all these flowy, gymnastic-looking poses came from? In this final episode, we explore the history of modern yoga — from its roots in seated, meditative postures to its evolution in the 20th century, influenced by Hatha traditions, Indian wrestling, and Western movement. Remember: yoga is about the journey, not the shape.

FINALLY

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as both a teacher and student is this: It’s okay to find things hard. Yoga is a lifelong practice — not a performance. Every wobble, modification, and skipped chaturanga is part of the journey.

So next time you find yourself struggling with a pose, take a breath. Adapt. Explore. Smile. That’s yoga too.

WANT TO KEEP EXPLORING?

If you enjoy breaking things down and learning how to make your practice feel better in your body, come join me for a class or workshop in Burton. My classes focus on slowing down, building awareness, and finding ease in movement — not perfection.

My beginners classes are perfect if you want to spend a little more time breaking things down. And, the final week in each month I hold a masterclass where you can freely ask all those questions you've always wanted to ask but maybe felt self-conscious asking!

Check out the current timetable or follow me on Instagram @rootsandreeds_yogawellness for more mini-series like "Oof! That’s Kind of Hard."

See you next time,

Helen