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Chapters (3)

Pigeon Pose

YOGABODY · 0:44

In this practice

Key teachings

  • Correct knee placement for optimal hip opening in Pigeon Pose
  • Importance of modification and propping to suit individual body needs
  • Understanding the difference between hip flexion and lateral rotation for effective stretching

Ideal for

  • Individuals seeking to improve hip mobility
  • Those experiencing tightness in hips, glutes, or lower back
  • Practitioners interested in precise alignment for complex poses

Lesson

Instructions

Pigeon pose is a classic hip opener and forward bend combo that hits your hamstrings, glutes, adductors, and deep six muscles all at once. The setup can be a little confusing, particularly the knee placement. But don’t be afraid to prop up and modify to make it work for you.

Steps

  • Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)
  • Using props (pillows/blocks) for support and modification
  • Mindful alignment in hip opening poses

Benefits

  • Increases hip flexibility and range of motion
  • Releases tension in glutes, hamstrings, and deep hip rotators
  • Improves posture and reduces lower back stiffness

Transcript

so pigeon posee couple of things hands and knees I want my right knee to go out here not in the middle it does a little bit of hip flexion but it doesn't get that lateral rotation so I want my knee to the outside prop up as much as you need to so that you're able to have your knee make like the side of a letter V shape don't worry about the angle of your shin but just have your knee go out to the side like this this is what we're looking for if your knee is in the middle it's not that it does nothing but kind of stretches more into what are called your deep six lateral rotators it's not a bad stretch it's just not the best use to the pose so prop up as much as you need to to make it work and don't be shy about using a lot of pillows

Practice summary

Level
all levels
Duration
3 minutes
Equipment
yoga matpillowsyoga blocks (optional)
Target areas
hipshamstringsglutesadductorsdeep six lateral rotators
Energy
calming

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