In Awkward, we are told the feet must be perfectly parallel six inches apart.
Reportedly maintaining such alignment is therapeutic and protects the knees.
But is such thinking correct?
Knee pain is a common complaint when doing Awkward.
From a biomechanical point of view, strictly maintaining any alignment rule assumes we are structurally the same.
In the scientific world of human movement...
it is well known that if your foot position is not right for your bone structure, you will introduce a twisting action into the knees damaging the joints.
The knee joint can support an astounding amount of force.
But the knee CANNOT cope with
any form of twisting action. Such Tension will quickly damage the knee joint.
Knee issues in golfers are common due to a poor style that twists the joint.
Cyclists also get knee issues due to incorrect bike fitting that twists the joint.
Runners get knee issues due to poor running styles that place a slight twist in the joint every stride they make.
The same problems can happen very easily in yoga, particularly in Awkward.
The fact is, we are not all built the same. So we must never rigidly apply any alignment rules as if we are all built from the same blueprint.
The best foot position...
is the one that delivers the best power output with zero knee tension.
Tension not only damages the joints, but it also limits your power output burning you out. Just like if you drove a car with the hand brake on.
Here's the crazing thing...
it’s so easy to find your best foot alignment that eliminates knee tension and delivers maximum power.
Here is how...
Sprint-run on the spot for about 2 seconds and then jump up high into the air. Where your feet land will most likely be the most perfect position for you.
To be sure, move into the 1st part of Awkward and notice if you have any tension in the knees.
Then play around with your foot positioning and observe when knee tension starts creeping in. Hunt out a sweat spot where there is absolutely zero tension in the knees.
Doing this will heighten your awareness of knee tension
and how even a slight change of foot position can affect this tension
Some people find the best position for them is...
to have their feet slightly splayed out, shoulder-wide apart. Some end up finding that the best foot position for them is perfectly parallel, hip-width apart. In others, as in my case, one foot is almost parallel, and the other is splayed out, with a distance between the hips and shoulders.
Bottom line
is that you must feel zero tension in the knees.
As I detail in my book (see below), the best alignment of any yoga posture is one that ensures the body is free of joint tension.
For sure, alignment rules help the absolute beginner...
learn the basic framework of a posture, but ultimately they restrict the body, creating a lot of body tension, reducing power output and increasing the potential for joint damage.
I could go into more detail about this, talking about the interplay of foot positioning and hip joint, but such a detailed examination will not help you. All it will do is get you to overthink.
Bruce Lee: Don't think - Feel
If you wish to explore this mindset and reprogram your nervous system...
to instinctively release tension and increase your performance in all yoga postures. You will find an engaging 37-minute self-paced online workshop on our website.
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Bill Thwaites
Self-Paced
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You will learn how to increase performance WITHOUT stress or tension in a rapidly short amount of time.
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You will learn all the tricks to eliminating joint pain while boosting performance.