Step, Walk or Jump

Huh? This is a common phrase heard in most yoga classes, as in:

“Step, walk or jump to the front of your yoga mat.”

For me this most often means ‘walk’ - because it’s the easiest for me and for some in the classes I teach.

Then there the option to ‘step’ - as in take one big step from down dog which will bring your right or left foot to the space between your hands. Then step the other foot in and voila — one is in uttanasana (forward fold).

Finally, the option to ‘jump’ (or ‘float’) - which means, from down dog, to bring both feet forward in a jump, landing between your hands and, again, you are in uttanasana (forward fold). I added the word ‘float’ here since, in a perfect world, one lands with lightness - as if they were ‘floating’ their feet to that elusive space between the hands.

What does it take to move beyond walking to either step or jump?

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

So, as there is no time like the present, I’ve begun to practice. I used to do the step; I’ve never been much good at the jump. Why? I avoided it unless pressed into it in someone else’s class.

Stepping and jumping require core strength. When I read the mechanics of either, it sounds pretty simple. In my practice it is not simple.

A step requires I rock forward (from down dog) almost to a plank, engage my core as I push the ground away. Then, knee to chest, and - finally - like ‘kicking a soccer ball’ (not my words) step your foot to your hands. Lots to think about and practice.

The jump - well! I once found a YouTube video that is helpful. The presenter used a rolled blanket - first in front of the feet in down dog and hopping over it. Gradually moving the blanket forward. Core engaged, arms strong, gaze ‘manifesting’ where you’d like your feet to land, hips high — just a few things. Practice, Practice, Practice.

I hope to get it. I’m working on it and the students who come to my classes are getting a dose of it, whether that is a goal for them or not.

Have a great day!