Why hip openers are critical to reducing stress and ease in overall movement

I know I have super duper tight hips, always have.  This is why it's so important for me to incorporate hip openers in every exercise session or yoga practice I do.  I can tell you that no matter who you are, these will be a crucial element to reducing stress and risk of injury, as well as allowing for improved posture and more ease in overall movement.  Our glutes, groins, and psoas get a wonderful stretch which will help to alleviate sciatic pain and discomfort.  Athletes will improve their performance tremendously and feel dramatically less sore if they utilize hip openers in their training.  We commonly store anxiety, tension, and emotional traumas in our hips, making hip openers even more critical to wellness in a holistic sense.  There are many hip opening postures to choose from and they are all unique in form and impact.   I will outline Pigeon Pose here, but some others that are equally as effective are Reclined Bound Angle Pose, Frog Pose, Happy Baby, Eye of the Needle, and Cow Face (one of my favorites)!

 

Pigeon Pose- Eka Pada Rajakapotasana

To get into Half Pigeon Pose:

1. Start on all fours, wrists slightly forward of your shoulders and knees directly below your hips.
2. Slide your right knee towards your right hand while you extend your left leg straight back dropping the front of your left thigh towards the floor. 
3. Slowly and to your degree of flexibility, slide your right foot forwards until you feel you have reached your edge.  
4. Make sure your hips and shoulders are square to the front of your mat and your left leg is straight back.
5. Continue to adjust as needed and work your edge, making sure you feel a good stretch but not taking it too far as to risk a knee injury. 
6. If props are something you like to experiment with, you can use a block or rolled up blanket under your right upper thigh\ hip. 
7. Puff your chest up, look up and back as you slide the shoulder blades down your back.
8. Then start to slide the palms of your hands forward while making sure your hips and shoulders are still square to the floor and front of the mat.  Continue to lower down as needed without pain, and breathe.
9. Take 5 full breaths here, more as desired but 5 at the minimum.
10. There are more advanced versions (One-Legged King Pigeon Pose) and also modifications for this if this is too much stretch for you right now, such as Eye of the Needle.

~ May your practice be infused with feelings of joy and abundance:)

 

If you are interested in a free health consultation, please visit me at restoringhealthybalance.com