Suggestions?

I find it helpful to curl my tailbone towards the pole. Hip flexor strength can be worked on lots of ways: I like slow knee circles and develope ballet moves holding the pole/chair and straddle forearm/elbow stand deadlift up and down, also tuck invert drills - Veena has tons of conditioning lessons with ideas

Loose hip flexors and active leg flexibility is needed for this pose so incorporate strength based stretches into your routine as well :)

Try also utilizing your lower abs (tucking under your tailbone helps with this). I used to get hip flexor tendonitis by relying too much on them rather than my core for moves like this. A good straddle helps too. Also, it's hard to tell your form from the photo, but make sure to engage through your lat in your top arm so that your shoulder stays down away from your ear. Per strengthening your hip flexors, sit in a straddle, straighten your legs, put your hands on the ground in front of you, and then lift your legs - repeat while leaning further forward with a flat back. Do the same with both legs together and hands by your thighs/knees.

Use the lower body strength routine https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/52e9d171-5724-43b2-8784-47960a9aa0eb 2 x a week to improve strength and active flexibility needed for this. The sexy legs and abs would be great too! In addition to that, begin this hold/position with knees bent, allowing you to pull the thighs high, imagine being a frog 🐸 then extend the legs from that position. Chances are you wont be able to fully extend at first but keep at it. Remember not to over do it tho, 10 try's then move on. Good luck!

Thanks so much. I am so excited how my core has become stronger almost overnight with this program. After 20 years of sitting at a desk I had no core strength at all.