One's ass is huge. If you want to be in a handstand that is more easily balanced, stick your butt, which is the center of your gravity, out more and you'll balance better.

Ha! I have definitely had teachers who have said things like this.

I've been trying to do bakasana for years (that's why it's called a "practice!") and I understand the physics of it but can't get my body to do it. BUT! I've never tried it with blocks. Where would they go?

On of my favorite instructions from the Y ( for the kids in lessons, learning backstroke) was "Tuck your butt up! Like you're holding in a poop!" It works!

I'm not sure my ass is my center of gravity, there isn't much of it. OTOH, the legginess probably makes up the difference with the bulky short torso.

I'd assume there is some kind of a finite stopping point for most people. But if you can move that just enough, it's satisfying.

I'm definitely much less flexible now -- I used to be able to clasp my hands behind my back and rotate my shoulders so that my hands ended at the front of my body without breaking the clasp, but there is no way I could do that now.

Also, my hamstrings are way tighter than they used to be, but still better than many (I can often get my nose to shin or knee).

My 6AM yoga practice, though is different completely than my 6 PM or even my 10:30 AM. With enough time, I might be more flexible depending on time of day?

On of my favorite instructions from the Y ( for the kids in lessons, learning backstroke) was "Tuck your butt up! Like you're holding in a poop!" It works!

Well, that explains why Ryan has such poor yoga posture.

With enough time, I might be more flexible depending on time of day?

This is for sure true for me in terms of balance. My balance is never great but it is for total shit at my early morning classes.

I needed to take a break from politics tonight. I'll read the text of the SOTU tomorrow. But now I also need to step away from FB. The anti-Obama rhetoric from people I otherwise respect is frustrating and so what I don't need.

lisah, one block on the lowest setting under each hand. I have found for me that ALL arm balances are easier with blocks. Just moving them up to that setting makes me lift my hips enough. It brings the ground closer to my legs so I don't have to squat so far and then lift so much.

I have no core and short arms and EVERY arm balance is easier with blocks. The whole eka pada koundinyasana series [link] (awwww Iyengar!) is only possible for me on blocks because I just can keep my hips up when moving into the pose and that helps 100%. Strongly recommend blocks for arm balances.

Also even though I can easily touch the floor in triangle and half moon, I use blocks there and it makes the pose more enjoyable. Still work, but less crunching the fat work.

Most of my flex is in the lower half. My knees can go next to and over shoulders without strain ( get out of the gutter) , I can do that sitting on heels thing, I fold them comfortably under me like those triangular paperclips but smashed with knees resting atop each other.

My upper body had more flex before I started swimming. I've still got reach, but not as much with the backwards. I figure the muscles are getting in the way?

I've always been very flexible, but not very strong.