As we age, maintaining mobility, flexibility, and strength becomes essential to our well-being. Fortunately, Iyengar yoga offers a mindful and structured approach to adapting yoga practice to suit our evolving needs. If you’re looking for a way to practice at home while addressing knee, hip, or ankle concerns, then this video by certified Iyengar yoga teacher Kathy Cook is a must-watch.
Discover Kathy Cook’s Expertise on Iyengar Yoga
Kathy Cook, a dedicated and experienced Iyengar yoga teacher based in Bali, has been practicing and teaching for over 30 years. On her YouTube channel, DESA YOGI IYENGAR YOGA (@DesaYogiIyengarYoga), she offers an incredible library of free, detailed, and insightful Iyengar yoga classes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, her channel is a valuable resource for refining your practice and deepening your understanding of Iyengar yoga.
For those looking to build a solid foundation, Kathy also offers an 18-lesson self-paced course on Foundational Iyengar Yoga, perfect for setting up a strong base in your practice.
Modify Poses for Knee, Hip & Ankle Support with Props
In this featured video, “Aging Gracefully: Modify Poses for Knee, Hip & Ankle Support with Props,” Kathy demonstrates how to adjust and modify yoga postures to accommodate mobility restrictions. She offers accessible ways to practice, ensuring comfort and safety while maintaining the integrity of each pose.
Key Highlights of the Video:
- Starting in Seated Positions: Kathy begins by demonstrating various seated postures and ways to adjust them for arthritis, knee tightness, or limited hip mobility.
- Using Props for Support: Chairs, walls, straps, and bolsters are incorporated to assist in knee bending, groin opening, knee stretching, hamstring lengthening, and upper back lifting.
- Maintaining Proper Posture: Emphasis is placed on keeping the lower chest lifted, broadening the back of the thighs, and expanding the chest.
- Avoiding Forward Bend Strain: Instead of rounding the upper back in forward bends, side twists and vertical arm extensions are recommended for better spinal alignment.
- Supine Poses for Gentle Stretching: The video moves to lying-down postures using the wall and straps to further support mobility.
These modifications help you find what works best for your flexibility and mobility while allowing you to practice with less discomfort.
Enhance Your Home Practice with Iyengar Yoga Props
At Ananda Hum, we specialize in high-quality Iyengar yoga props to support your home practice. Whether you need chairs, blocks, straps, slanting planks, or bolsters, we offer a curated selection of yoga accessories that align with Iyengar principles.
As of early 2025, we are officially recognized as an Iyengar yoga provider in Spain by the Spanish Iyengar Yoga Association. We are committed to providing top-quality yoga props to support practitioners worldwide.
Conclusion
Aging gracefully with yoga is all about adapting your practice to meet your body’s needs while maintaining strength, flexibility, and balance. Kathy Cook’s video provides invaluable guidance on modifying poses so you can continue practicing with confidence and ease. Be sure to explore her YouTube channel for more free classes and insights.
And if you’re looking for the right props to support your practice, visit Ananda Hum to explore our Iyengar yoga accessories—shipped worldwide.
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