On an inhalation, begin to raise one leg up toward the ceiling as your other heel stays planted. Firm your outer arms and press actively through your index fingers. See also: Your Understanding of “Hip Openers” Might Be Falling Short 11 yoga poses that for deep hip opening Three-Legged Downward-Facing Dogīegin in Downward-Facing Dog Pose with the tops of your thighs back, heels pressing toward the floor, back flat, and your palms out in front of you, shoulder-width apart.

The following yoga poses massage, open, and lubricate the hips, which can ward off discomfort, improve your posture, increase your range of motion-and even unlock whatever you might be holding onto.

Whether your hips feel tight from sitting too much, your intense running regime, or even your genetics, it’s important to loosen them up and keep them moving. This area is deeply enmeshed in our connectivity to ourselves and others, and is often where we hold onto unexpressed emotions. Our svadhisthana (root) chakra, located within the pelvis, is the energy center associated with sensuality, creativity, pleasure, and freedom of expression. On a psycho-spiritual level, the hips are also the seat of our sexuality and individuality. Your hamstrings may then have to overcompensate, and knee pain could begin to arise. This tension makes the psoas shorten, and a slight swayback begins to form, making everyday actions, such as walking, sitting, standing, or practicing yoga feel more difficult. When the psoas (the long muscle that runs from the lumbar spine through the pelvis to the femur) is chronically tight, your lower back starts to feel tight, too. It’s said that we store a lot of emotions in our hips (if you’ve ever started crying during Pigeon Pose, you know what that means), and that should come as no surprise-the hips are one of the most important and complex areas of the body.Īs the connection point between your lower limbs and your torso, the hip complex is critical for maintaining balance, mobility, and stability for your entire body. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!

Hatha yoga asanas sequence