Yoga beginner help

[Imtoooldforallthis]

I've recently taken up yoga, been going twice a week for about 4 months. I feel like I am not progressing, there are things I can do fine such as most table top and warrior, OK with balance. What I'm struggling with is a lot of work on my back and sitting, I can't cross my legs even on a block, I can't do child's pose, eye of the needle and can barely hug my knees. I appreciate that not everybody can do everything and it is about your own ability, but I would have thought I would be getting better. I am quite short and have short arms, is it ridiculous to think that this may not be helping?

I think it takes time and your anatomy must impact on some positions. But I've noticed as I've continued that it does get better.
My class teacher is all about helping you to achieve the best you can at the time so is proactive with recommending props.
I notice small changes all the time often when I'm not on the mat which encourages me to keep going.

Your anatomy makes a huge huge difference. I'm hypermobile and could do things it took others 10 years to learn. This wasn't any skill by me I just have loose connective tissue.

Yoga Asanas require so much to happen in your body... Muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, connective tissue... It really takes a long time for these to change or develop. I would I used to practice every day or so for about a year and after 10 months my heels moved an inch in down dog.

Just be patient but also try not to set the goal of what others are doing. If you find sitting really uncomfortable then kneel or find a position that works for you. Think about the intention of the pose rather than the action eg if the goal is to relax so you can concentrate on breathing - sitting uncomfortably is counterproductive!

Follow Alexandria Crowe on instagram - she is the Queen of explaining how anatomy affects yoga practice.

Thank you, maybe I'm expecting too much too soon. I will keep going and hope things improve.

It sounds like you have very tight hips... It will get more comfortable over time but it's a marathon not a sprint!

Do you do yin? That helps my flexibility a lot.

I’ve been doing yoga for almost 2 years now, & I’m short with short arms too.

When I started I was sitting on two blocks with my knees fairly high up, then eventually it went down to one & now - usually - I don’t need one. I still use a block or strap to extend my arm length for some poses, but every so often I’ll try without one & find I’ve developed that bit more flexibility & don’t need it any longer.

I envy you on the balance, that’s the main challenge for me!