"This pose hurts so good for most people," said Gwen Lawrence, yoga therapist and founder of Power Yoga For Sports. Your hips hold a ton of tightness and stress, and this gentle release can help them loosen up and regain flexibility. For the best results, Gwen recommended holding the stretch for three to five minutes on each side.
- Sit with your right knee bent and your left leg extended behind you. Pull the right heel in toward your left hip, or if your hips are more open, inch your right foot away from you. Make sure your left hip is always pointing down toward the mat. If it begins to open up toward the ceiling, draw your right foot back in toward your body.
- Stay here with your hands resting on your right thigh or your hips, or walk your hands out in front of you, allowing your torso to rest over your right knee.
- Hold here, breathing into any areas of tightness and tension for at least one minute and as long as five minutes.
- Repeat this pose with the left knee bent.