No matter your age, sex or degree of flexibility, it's never too late to stretch your hip flexor muscles. You'll also find yourself with improved mobility, flexibility and stability by practicing hip-openers bi-weekly or so. Some of my favorite asanas that are guaranteed to do the trick are High Lunge, Lizard Pose and Lotus Pose. This week I'd like to share a stretch with you that I recently learned. It has done a wonder on my hip flexors and shoulders. Be aware that this an intense hip opener and may require moderate stretching prior to attempting. Also, please excuse my goofy facial expressions!
Hip-Opening Stretch
1. Sit with your feet crossed and let your legs fall to either side at about a 45 degree angle.
2. Place your thumbs under your pits and place your hands on your chest, fingers pointing upwards.
Make sure your elbows are outside of your knees.
3. As you inhale, keeping your spine elongated, squeeze your legs together.Your knees can be used as leverage to push your elbows closer together. This motion should cause your shoulder-blades to push outwards and the front of your shoulders inwards. Hold this pose for 3 seconds as you hold your breath.
4. Exhale and release to the starting position. Repeat 3-5 times.
The morning after this stretch, I find my hips fairly sore from all the release, so please keep your body in mind when practicing. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. If it does, try gradually increasing the number of repetitions of this stretch. After a few stretches, like Shakira, you'll start to feel it's right. ;)
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