Exercise Modifications & Progressions Flashcards

A student with tight hip flexors struggles to keep the pelvis neutral in Low Lunge. Which cue helps most?

Answer: Draw the front hip back and the back hip forward while engaging the back glute

Squaring the hips by drawing them toward neutral counters the anterior tilt caused by tight hip flexors and protects the lumbar spine.

Which prop is most appropriate for a student who cannot sit upright comfortably in a cross-legged seated position?

Answer: Sit on a folded blanket or block to elevate the pelvis above the knees

Elevating the pelvis with a blanket or block reduces the hip flexion angle, allowing the spine to lengthen and the knees to drop more naturally.

A student successfully holds Warrior III for 5 breaths and wants to progress. Which option represents an appropriate next challenge?

Answer: Add a bind or extend both arms forward in a narrow 'T' while maintaining the balance

Modifying arm position (narrow T or bind) increases the stability challenge while keeping the student in a manageable range of progression.

Which of the following is the safest modification for a student with glaucoma who wishes to practice yoga?

Answer: Avoid inversions such as Downward Dog, headstand, and Legs-Up-the-Wall that increase intraocular pressure

Any pose that increases intraocular pressure—including common inversions—should be avoided by students with glaucoma per standard yoga therapy guidelines.

In Sun Salutation A, which modification helps a student with low back pain transition safely through Forward Fold to Halfway Lift?

Answer: Bend the knees generously and place hands on shins or thighs rather than the floor

Bending the knees shortens the hamstring lever arm and reduces lumbar loading during the fold and transition to Halfway Lift.

When modifying Tree Pose (Vrksasana) for a student who cannot balance on one leg, which progression is most logical?

Answer: Stand with one hand on a wall, place lifted foot at the ankle or calf, then progress toward the wall-free version

Wall support removes the fear of falling, allowing the student to focus on alignment and gradually build the proprioceptive skill needed for freestanding balance.

A student with carpal tunnel syndrome wants to practice vinyasa yoga. Which wrist modification is most recommended throughout the class?

Answer: Use fist or forearm variations for weight-bearing poses and practice wrist stretches between poses

Fist and forearm modifications reduce wrist extension and compression on the median nerve while still allowing full participation in the practice.