Dynamic Thunderbolt pose builds strength in the back muscles and shoulders while also improving flexibility in the knees, hips, spine and shoulders. People who have knee pain should watch the video before trying it to determine whether or not it is safe for you. (Note that the hips do not drop all the way to the heels as they would in Child’s pose.)
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Thanks for this post, Dr. Bell. I've always enjoyed practicing thunderbolt pose and appreciate your caveat re: knee "issues." As a long-time yoga practitioner now experiencing issues (osteoarthritis & 2 arthroscopy procedures for meniscus tears), would you recommend this pose be avoided altogether?
Although I can not advise you specifically on whether you should avoid this pose altogether, you can do dynamic upside-down downward-facing dog (which I plan on posting soon) for non-weightbearing movement of the knees and dynamic locust to strengthen the back as alternatives. —Baxter
So if I have 99% of my class who CAN do this pose, but one student cannot, what would you suggest for the one who cannot?
Since I don't know why the one person can not do it, I can not say precisely. If the knees are the issue, they could try Dynamic Forward Fold, coming next week!