Did you know that we hold stress in our hips? Neither did I until I started watching Gaiam’s My Yoga TV. That’s why hip-opening yoga is so important for runners, especially. Have you gotten your free 30-day subscription to Gaiam TV from Stayfree yet? If not, do it, (I told you how here) I promise you’ll be so glad you did.
If you hang around here with me, you know distance running has been my jam since back in 2007 when I ran my first half and full marathons. Truth be told, running just makes me feel great. Energized and accomplished, like I’m capable of anything.
Running even helps me feel better at “that” time of the month. Less lethargic and bloated. More even-keeled and confident.
But the harder I train, the tighter my muscles get. Tight hips and hamstrings create imbalances that lead to injury if not addressed. I’ve been there. Hip-opening yoga poses were instrumental for me.
So today I’m sharing some of my favorite yoga poses to open up those uptight, stressed-out hips.
Butterfly. There was a day I could get my knees all the way to the floor. Today is not that day.
Pigeon. I do this one religiously after every run.
Double Pigeon. This one can be challenging. For a deeper stretch, lean over and reach your hands out to the floor in front of you.
Thread the Needle. This feels soooo great after a run.
Half Squat. I think any kind of squat does a body good. The half squat adds a little balance challenge too.
Lizard pose. This may be my favorite. Shhhh.
Try these poses and let me know what you think. And if you haven’t gotten your free subscription to Gaiam TV from Stayfree, don’t delay. Offer ends March 12.
Do you do yoga for stress release? What are some of your favorite poses?
This post is sponsored by Sverve on behalf of Stayfree. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says
These are some of my favorites too! I always forget how good lizard feels until I do it in a class. And I have a love/hate relationship with pigeon pose:)
Linz @ Itz Linz says
my hips are always so tight!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I do love me some hip openers! When I run the day after yoga, my legs feel lighter.
Maureen says
I carry a lot of stress in my hips so when we do pigeon pose in yoga class I almost cry because it feels so good!
Kovas - Midwest Multisport Life says
I’m going to start doing yoga – Gaiam has come out with product and dvds aimed at men. Should be fun!
Annmarie says
I am going to do some of these stretches this afternoon, my hips are so tight!!!
Amy @ Will Run For Ice Cream says
My hips are my issue also…. well and the entire pelvic region and my core. I’m a walking/running mess ha ha. But with this hamstring injury, I’m finding the hips really play a part in all of this. Great post, and I need to start incorporating these exercises daily!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I’m a huge fan of hip opening stretches! I do them after every run. Low lunge and cobbler pose are my faves 🙂
Stephanie says
I need all of these poses in my life right now. I am so tight and this is just what I need. Thanks for sharing!
Elle says
PIGEON POSE for the win! That’s my fave one for my hips.
steph says
I was a yogini before a runner and love me some lizard pose!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
I definitely need to be better about doing more of these yoga poses, even if its just taking 5 minutes out of my day to do some extra stretching.
Sharon says
Great hip opening poses!! I have been doing a lot of these poses lately because of the #taketheleap challenge. LOVE pigeon, especially after a run!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I don’t know where I would be with out yoga–and that goes for everything, but especially with running. Malasana (garland) is another great one!
AJ @ NutriFitMama says
Great poses! I don’t do yoga regularly, but I want to!
Char says
I love the room you do yoga in. That roaring fire just invites you to be close. Some of your poses are ones that I’ve done but others are new to me and because my hips are regularly very tight, I’m going to give them a go.
Mary Beth Jackson says
i made my first yoga class Tuesday on over 5 weeks! It felt so good ! Great post ! It is so important!
Kim says
Thread the needle is my all-time favorite stretch!!! I should start doing all of those more often – my hips are always the achiest part of my body after any run!
heather @ divas run for bling says
I have perpetually tight hips so I LOVE hip opener poses. Pigeon is one of my faves
Coco (@Got2Run4Me) says
I need to do these more often. Especially pigeon. Love that one.
Patty @ Reach Your Peak says
Pigeon pose is my favorite! I do all of these regularly after my runs. I’ve been having my mom do more of these/yoga in general because she is SO inflexible. I tell her she needs to keep doing it if she wants to loosen up!
Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete says
Beautiful lines and practice, missy!
I’m very jelly of your Yoga space, too. <3 😀
jill conyers says
Yes to all of these and I’m noticing a difference! Love it when that happens.
Jennifer F says
I get so stressed out that I don’t have enough time for yoga, and then when I squeeze in 5 minutes my stress is gone! whoohoo
Kayla @ TheEclecticElement says
I love how you showcased your favorite asanas! I can personally attest to the butterfly and thread the needle; they make you feel so great! My favorite so far has to be dolphin 🙂
You’ve definitely inspired me to get back into my practice!
elizabeth says
yoga has become my saving grace this training cycle. I love all the ones you listed and try and do them regularly!
RFC says
Oh I need to start doing these! As my mileage amps back up again, I can already feel my hips tightening up!