BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Yoga Intermediate Yoga levels?

How do you know when you've reached the Intermediate level of yoga? Is there a pose that announces this status, like handstand or crow?

I figure I am an advanced beginner but have no real way of knowing. Not that it matters, but I am curious.

OK try these five poses to find out!

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Dolphin is the one I could barely do -- bad neck/shoulders (I think I should have stopped sooner than I did, actually), and then the instructor said "you can go into a headstand from here."

As if! And, lo & behold, I look up & one old guy is in a headstand.

Thanks for that list. There are some I do and some I can't, like that L-sit. I never saw that one before, and don't have the arm strength to do it. I never tried the bound warrior 2 before and did it! That's today's boost. Will work on the revolved halfmoon.

Okay, i just gave this a shot and can do all of them except the L-Seat. However, I can do a variation of it with my legs in full lotus and can push up with my hands like she does. I can even hold it for awhile.

But both legs out straight like that is going to take some practice!

So if I can do all of those poses should I consider myself at a beginning intermediate level?

You know, Deb, I was thinking that about dolphin. I was thinking it would be easy to go into headstand from there. I really need to get Dan to spot me some day!

I DID IT!!!! I did headstand and elbow stand (with head off the ground). With a spotter and up against the wall it was easy. I started with dolphin, as Deb recommended. It felt wonderful!

I will have to try to make sure i do this at least once a week to improve my strength and courage. I guess the goal is to eventually not need the wall?

Has anyone tried Rodney Yee's Intermediate DVD?I am thinking of getting it.

Isn't elbow stand with the head off the ground the precurser to Scorpion Pose? I would say once you are doing any inversions somewhat well, even Crow Pose (which is still difficult for me), you are Intermediate.

Jenna, i was wondering that. it looks like just a matter of being away from the wall for scorpion and then being able to hold a very solid core.

I guess I might be at the very beginning of intermediate?

I just got in Rodney Yee's Intermediate DVD but can't try it until my mashed finger heals a bit. Then we will see.