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Pigeon pose

A classic yoga hip opener that stretches the outer hip and glute of the front leg and the hip flexor of the back leg.

IntermediateMatLow impactSuggested: 30 sec per side

How to do it

  1. Start on your hands and knees.
  2. Bring your left knee forward behind your left wrist and angle your left shin across the mat.
  3. Slide your right leg straight back with the top of the foot on the mat.
  4. Square your hips, walk your hands forward and lean over your front leg.
  5. Hold and breathe, then switch sides.

Work one side, then switch. Timed sets run once per side.

Form tips

  • Place a cushion under your front hip if it does not reach the mat.
  • Keep your front foot flexed to protect the knee.

Muscles worked

Neck: not workedTraps: not workedShoulders: not workedChest: not workedBiceps: not workedForearms: not workedAbs: not workedObliques: not workedHip flexors: moderateOuter hips: moderateQuads: not workedInner thighs: not workedCalves: not workedFrontNeck: not workedTraps: not workedShoulders: not workedUpper back: not workedLats: not workedLower back: not workedTriceps: not workedForearms: not workedOuter hips: moderateGlutes: strongHamstrings: not workedCalves: not workedBack
LightModerateStrong
GlutesHip flexorsOuter hips

Figure-four variations

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