Why you should include more hip openers in your movement routine
Would you define yourself as someone who’s got tight hips? You are not alone! Most people's lifestyles nowadays involve prolonged sitting or standing, leading to tightness and discomfort in the hip area. Luckily, a regular yoga practice can be a great way to regain mobility in the hips and counter any stagnant position that you might have held during the day.
BENEFITS OF HIP OPENERS
Hip openers in yoga refer to poses that stretch the muscles around the hips, allowing for increased mobility and flexibility in the hip joint. These poses are not only beneficial for yogis but also for anyone looking to alleviate general hip tightness and discomfort. Indeed, there are countless benefits to regularly practicing hip-opening poses! The most common ones are:
Physical benefits
Improved flexibility and mobility: By practicing hip-opening poses regularly, you can improve the range of motion in your hips. This can make everyday movements like walking, climbing stairs, and getting up from a seated position much easier. Increased flexibility in the hips also leads to better posture and alignment in the spine.
Alleviate lower back pain: The hip joint and lower back are closely connected. Tight and immobile hips can be one of the causes for stress and discomfort in the lower back area. If you are prone to lower back pain, practicing hip-opening poses can be one path for you to explore to alleviate this pain.
Improved blood circulation: Tight hips can also impede blood flow to the lower half of the body, which can lead to a variety of health issues. Practicing hip-opening poses are known to improve circulation in the hip area, promoting healthy blood flow and thus preventing certain health conditions.
Energetic & emotional benefits
Enhancing emotional release: The hips are known to be an emotional center of the body - also commonly referred to as the ‘junk drawer’. Did you know that we store most of our past trauma, or past stress and experiences we typically don’t want to deal with in our hips? If you’ve ever experienced an emotional release during a hip-focused Vinyasa or Yin yoga class, this might be why! Hip-opening poses are known to help to release this tension, allowing for a greater sense of emotional balance and well-being.
Sacral chakra: According to the energetic chakra system, the hips are located at the second chakra (svadhistana or sacral) which is the center of our creativity, pleasure, going with the flow of life by being flexible to change. If you tend to have a negative experience with these qualities, you might be out of balance in this chakra, and hip opening practices might help you with those.
Lizard pose
HIP OPENING POSES TO PRACTICE REGULARLY
Now that we've explored the benefits of hip openers, let's take a look at some typical hip-opening poses you can incorporate into your yoga practice:
Half Pigeon Pose (Ardha Kapotasana): This pose is a staple in many yoga classes and is an excellent hip opener. It stretches the outer hip and glutes and can help to alleviate lower back pain.
Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana): This pose is also known as the "bound angle pose." It helps to open the hips and groin area, promoting flexibility in the hip joint.
Lizard Pose (Utthan Pristhasana): This pose is a deep hip opener that stretches the groin and hip flexors. It can be challenging, but with practice, it can help to alleviate hip tightness and discomfort.
Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana): This playful pose is a great hip opener that also promotes relaxation. It stretches the inner groin and hip flexors and can be particularly beneficial for women experiencing menstrual discomfort.
If you're someone who struggles with tight hips, incorporating these poses into your movement routine can help alleviate physical discomfort and improve your mental health too!
If you’ve never joined one of our yoga classes before, this is your call! Check our classes on our timetable here.