Your best bend.
Not every pose is going to feel good for every body. This is where ✨modifications✨ come in!
In our movement practices, we always want to be aware of how our body is feeling, and how we can alter the movement to work best for us and our unique needs. While discomfort is OK, pain, numbness or tingling are all sensations we want to steer clear of.
Modifications, sometimes called versions, are alternate ways of setting up a position or performing a movement. Modifications typically remove one or more variables of complexity, so you can focus on perfecting your form and really targeting the muscle group you wish to.
You can alter a pose by using props, such as a pillow, blocks, or strap. But most often, modifications are as simple as lowering your knees to the floor in a plank, or widening your stance in a forward fold!
While modifications are a great way to move for your skill level, they can also be used to accommodate an injury, chronic pain as well as different body shapes and sizes. Modifications don’t necessarily make a movement inherently easier— it’s just something different.
The beauty of modifications is that they accommodate your body’s needs and allow you to stay safe, and avoid pain. That way, you can spend the duration of the movement or pose focusing on the stuff that matters— your posture, activating your muscles, and of course, breathing!
It’s important to remember that modifications are fluid. While some adjustments are going to be ones that you stick to (for example, I always use blocks when I have my hands down in a lunge,) there will be other adjustments that come and go depending on what your body needs that day. If you’re ever not sure if you’d benefit from a modification, I recommend taking your time and trying a couple different versions. That way, you can see what feels best for you.
Want to try out a certain pose, but not sure what adjustments will help make it accessible for you? I go through a variety of modifications in my classes! Or if you’re looking for a more in-depth session, consider booking a one-on-one with me! You can check out the full list of my offerings here.