5 Yoga Poses to Open Up Stiff Hips

Ever wondered why hip openers feel so damn good? Well, in the yoga world, it is believed that some of our emotions may be stored in our hips, and when we practice hip openers, we are releasing all of that built up emotional energy - resulting in us feeling like we're on cloud nine.

So whether you've got stiff hips or, like that woman from Mean Girls, you "just have a lot of feelings," - here are 5 super simple hip-opening yoga poses to try.

1. Badhakonasana (Butterfly Pose)

This is a great hip-opening yoga pose for beginner and advanced students, as you can adjust the intensity of the stretch depending on how far you push yourself.

- Sitting on the ground, bring the soles of your feet together and keep your back straight.

- Wrap your index and middle fingers around your respective big toes and bend your elbows, using them to gently press your thighs to the floor.

- Inhale, straighten your spine.

- Exhale, fold forward over your feet, bending from your hips.

2. Upavistha Konasana (Seated Wide Leg Forward Fold)

This yoga pose is great for stretching out your hamstrings, and for practicing your side splits.

- Sitting on your hips, extend your legs out to the sides.

- Option 1: Place your palms on the floor in front of you, keeping your arms extended, and keeping walking them ahead as you lean forward. // Option 2: If you can reach your toes, wrap your index and middle fingers around your big toes, and bend your elbows to pull yourself further down.

- Inhale, extend your spine.

- Exhale, fold your body forward towards the floor, keeping your legs and spine straight.

3. Utthan Pristhasana (Lizard Pose)

Lizard pose is an effective yoga pose to open your hips and stretch your hip flexors. You can also challenge yourself by practicing different variations of this pose, like adding a twist or a backbend.

- Start in your low lunge, right leg forward.

- Walk your right foot to the right side of the mat, placing your palms in the center.

- Push the hips forward letting them sink down.

- Place the hands on the inside of the leg

- (Optional) Slowly, lower your forearms down to the mat, elbows in line with shoulders

 4. Kapotasana (Pigeon Pose)

An amazing stretch for the gluteus muscles, especially after leg day.

- From your low lunge, right leg forward, walk your right foot to the left side of the mat and slowly lower your knee down to the right.

- Make sure your hips are squared, and the weight isn't shifting to either side.

- If you feel stable, slowly bring your forearms down, folding over your right leg. Or release fully down, resting your body over your right leg.

- Feel the stretch in the right glutes, stay for a few deep breaths, and repeat on the other side.

If this is too much, try Supta Kapotasana (reclined pigeon pose):

- Lie down on your back, keeping both legs bent.

- Fold your right foot over your left thigh.

- Holding on the the back of your left thigh, gently pull the left leg towards you.

5. Malasana (Yogi Squat/Garland Pose)

A seemingly simple squat, this is a great way to stretch both the inner and outer hips.

- Stand with the feet hip distance apart with toes slightly turned out.

- Then, lower your hips down to a squat and bring your hands to heart center.

- Use your elbows to push the knees away from you, creating a deeper stretch.

Practice these 5 yoga poses regularly to feel your hips loosening up, or if you'd like to practice with us, have a look at our schedule for upcoming yoga classes!

If you have any questions at all, reach out to us on the email or socials below and we'll get back to you asap.

Team Ekaya