Move from the Hip for a Better Yoga Practice
Today’s post builds on what I talked about in this post about hip rotation. If you haven’t seen that yet, I suggest going back and getting familiar with it first. Then, let’s take a fresh look at how we come into certain standing poses, including Virabhadrasana 2 (Warrior 2), Trikonasana (Triangle), and Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon). Specifically, I want to look at a small detail that can make a big difference in how you experience these yoga poses for hips.
There are several standing yoga poses, of which Virabhadrasana 2 (Warrior 2) is a great example, that begin the same way. If you’ve tried them with a yoga teacher, you may have heard cues something like this:
- Step or jump your feet wide.
- Turn your right toes to the right, and line the right heel up with the arch of your left foot.
I’ve said these words many times myself as a yoga teacher. They can serve just fine in some cases, and I’m going to suggest playing with this movement in a slightly different way and seeing how it might feel different, both coming into the yoga pose, and then in terms of how you’re experiencing the pose itself. It’s subtle – and powerful, as subtleties often are.
Try these yoga poses for hips:
If you enjoy this work, it’s a big part of what I do in my online group classes and online private and workshops. If you have questions or experiences to share, please do so in the comments or send me a message.
The information, instruction, and advice contained in this video and post are in no way intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is for general informational purposes only. Not all exercises are suitable for everyone. Consult your doctor before beginning this or any exercise program.
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