This post about sitting comfortably cross legged is a collaboration with Ungloo. I received a complimentary set of SitBlox. All opinions are my own. Links in this post may be affliate links.
One of the fabulous things I love about putting content out online is the questions, comments, and feedback I receive. A question can spark a whole new conversation, as in the case of a comment received recently from Marie on sitting comfortably cross legged in sukhasana.
Thanks! Great video! I can never quite figure out what to do with my feet. From all the videos and instructions I’ve looked at, you are supposed to keep your feet perpendicular to the floor and parallel to each other, resting on the outside edges of your feet with your toes pointing forward and peeking out from under your shins. I feel like my feet are getting horribly squashed when I sit this way, especially the one closest to my body. I’m much more comfortable with the tops of my feet resting on the floor, tucked under my thighs. Any tips?
Marie
Basically, Marie is describing the difference between two seated yoga poses, sukhasana and siddhasana. While similar they are different poses, and I figured in this pose I’d share the differences for Marie, and answer a few more questions about sitting comfortably cross legged. Especially for those experiencing pain. For my more visual or auditory learners, the video explains all the information.
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Sukhasana vs Siddhasana
As I covered Sukhasana extensively in a previous post, basically what Marie is describing is her preference for Siddhasana. Which is also my personal preference. It all comes down to foot position. In Sukhasana, below left, the legs are crossed, with the shins resting on the feet and ankles.
In Siddhasana, above right, the feet much closer to the groins. The knees are wider, and the feet are tucked in to the space between the calf and thigh. It requires more open hips, and flexible ankles. Honestly, I don’t sweat it. As long as you’re sitting comfortably cross legged, without pain, let’s call it good! Who cares where the feet point?
Sitting Comfortably Cross Legged
For many though both of these positions can cause pain. In which case, something needs to change! No yoga pose should ever be painful. Typically pain sitting cross legged is in the hips, inner thighs or knees. The first thing I always suggest is elevating the pelvis. So sitting on a bolster, or blocks. If that doesn’t eliminate the pain, try supporting the legs with blocks.
Regular rectangular yoga blocks work however they have corners and can get comfortable after long periods of time (like meditation). That’s where the wedge shaped yoga blocks come in handy. The folks at Ungloo sent me these novel yoga blocks called SitBlox, designed for people with tight hips. After using them for two days I was hooked!
These wedge-shaped blocks from Ungloo have revolutionized my thoughts about yoga blocks. Yoga blocks were originally made from wood, and like all things over time improvements are made. These SitBlox are wedge-shaped and perfect for supporting the thighs so we are sitting comfortably cross-legged.
The SitBlox have different angles in their shape, giving you options to use for support. The great thing is that as a pair they also work as a rectangle for support seated (I could use them instead of a bolster or a zafu/meditation cushion). Plus they are chunky enough to use as support for other yoga poses.
Two of my favorite ways to use the SitBlox blocks are in janu sirsasana, and for meditation in baddha konasana. No pain, no strain, just peace in the pose! Look for more ways to use SitBlox in future posts.
Questions
- Can you sit comfortably cross legged?
- Are there yoga poses you have questions about?
- Want to learn more about how to use the SitBlox in yoga poses?
20 Minute yoga for lower back and hips
Su @Ethan & Evelyn
This is such a good tutorial. I haven’t seen a Ungloo before. Oh! lala! How fancy! 🙂
Lhav
Sukhasana works best for me. I only learn about sitBlox and it seems to have a great deal to be be even more comfortable.
Indya | The Small Adventurer
I think it’s wonderful that you took the time to make an entire video AND blog post to answer someone’s question! Things like this really make a person stand out. I’m sure a lot of people will have this issue too; I know of a few people who have trouble sitting cross legged!
Regan Thacker
It’s been quite a while since I tried to sit cross-legged, so I imagine it would be more uncomfortable than anticipated. I love the look of the wedge-shaped blocks, they look like they would make if much more comfortable.
Monidipa
I still do them, and there is not much difference, but they are really comforting!
Lori Bosworth
I need to get some of these yoga blocks because they can be used for so many poses. I’m not sure which sitting position I prefer…I will have to try them out.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
I will try both crossed leg positions myself later and see which I feel is most comfortable. The yoga blocks sound like they’d come in handy.
Alvern
This is interesting and it reminds me of the two coaches who teach amazing body moves. The first one teaches how to do the splits in 4 weeks while the other teaches how to do handstands. I may be interested in learning to sit crossed legged one day soon.
Reina Victoria
I almost always use sukhasana as my go to. It feels more comfortable and natural when I sit down. I’ve also noticed that I tend to always put the right leg down first but I’ve never switched it up mid- practice. How often should I switch?