beginner classes

So what's everyones thoughts on putting warrior 3 and half moon in a beginner class.

I say, go for it. There are excellent variations on both these postures that would make them accessable to beginner students. For example, your students could do virabadrasana 3 at the wall from a table stretch position. I know of two variations for ardha chandrasana that make them a little easier to manage. The first is moving into the posture with the back side of the body against a wall. This way balancing is not such a huge issue. In the second variation, the back foot is pressing against a wall. I've also been to a class of Sarah's where she had us use a chair in the pose.

I have done both with my beginner classes. I did half moon with them and many of them really liked it and to my surprise my 70 year student could do it better & longer than some of the 30 year olds. I just did Warrior III tonight with a class. We did variations with hands on the wall and then feet on the wall then I gave them the choice if any of them wanted to try the full poses. I think they all tried. I think Warrior III helps the student discover their weaknesses and therefore what they need to work on. I remember the first time I tried Warrior III and couldn't do it. Unitl then I thought my legs were strong. I think whether you do either asanas with a beginner class will depend on the students and their physical fitness level and what they are hoping to get out of their yoga class.

Well we tried it last night. I had everyone get a partner for spotter comfort and then we did the posture with foot on the wall. They were all very hesitant, but all tried it and they were pretty excited that they all had success. Thanks for the input!!!