Yoga for Hips
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| Achilles the Magic Puppy |
I think we can partially attribute Achilles' health to his hip flexibility (see photo above for example). I mean this quite literally; in larger dogs, hip deterioration often leads to a plethora of other health issues and a shortened lifespan. It is also, perhaps, thanks for the giant neon green food bowl that you see to the left of his hips. This is a well-loved puppy.
Hip health is just as important for us humans. Serious hip injuries in older adults (like fractures and breaks) may never heal. Just like with Achilles, more mobility usually means improved health and a longer, happier life. So take good care of your hips with this hippy-happy sequence.
- 1/2 happy baby
- Leg moving across body into #4 stretch (shin crossing thigh).
- Cross leg over for Eagle legs twist
- Repeat steps 1-3 on other side
- Full happy baby
- Table
- Take leg out to side at 90 degree angle
- Draw circles with leg, both directions
- Downward Dog
- Forward Fold
- Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
- Tree with leg you had drawn circles with in table
- Vinyasa to DD
- Repeat steps 7-13
- Forward Fold
- Chair
- Vinyasa
- Downward Dog
- Warrior II
- Goddess or Horse Stance (long hold)
- Warrior II
- High Lunge
- Hands interlaced behind back , heart opener and then forward fold ("Humble Warrior")
- Inhale to come back up
- Exhale both hands to inside of foot, lizard pose (long hold)
- Float back to plank
- Side plank on hand that is on same side as foot that had been forward
- Plank
- Vinyasa
- Repeat from Forward Fold (Step 15) and Chair (16) until another Vinyasa (step 29)
- Frog Pose (2 minutes)
- Bridge Pose with a block in between thighs (2 minutes)
- Supine twists
- Savasana