Slow down and let each hold melt layers of hip tension in this deep-release session.
Lizard Pose
Duration: 02:00
Slide into lizard pose to deeply stretch your hips, groin, and hamstrings.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Instructions
- Start in tabletop, then step one foot outside the same-side hand.
- Lower your hips toward the floor and extend the back leg straight behind you, knee and top of the foot resting on the mat.
- Keep your chest lifted as you breathe into the stretch.
Tips
- Let your hips relax and sink toward the floor.
- Lift the back knee and come onto forearms for more intensity when you are ready.
Adjustments
- Use yoga blocks under your hands if the floor feels far away.
Pigeon
Duration: 02:00
Settle into pigeon pose to melt tension in your hips, glutes, and lower back.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Instructions
- From tabletop, bring one knee forward behind the same-side wrist and angle the shin toward the opposite hip.
- Slide the back leg straight behind you as you square your hips toward the floor.
- Lower your torso over the front leg and rest on your forearms or hands while breathing deeply.
Tips
- Keep hips level rather than collapsing to one side.
Adjustments
- Place a folded blanket or block under the bent-leg hip for support.
- Stay upright with hands on the floor if folding forward feels too intense.
Folded Butterfly
Duration: 01:00
Fold over your butterfly legs to stretch the lower back and inner thighs with a calming release.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Sit with legs extended, then bring the soles of your feet together and let knees drop out to the sides.
- Place your hands on the floor in front of you and hinge forward from the hips.
- Let your head and neck relax toward your feet while you breathe into the stretch.
Tips
- Allow the weight of your head to deepen the stretch gently.
Adjustments
- Sit on a folded blanket to give your hips more space if they feel tight.
- Stay more upright if a forward fold feels intense today.
Happy Baby
Duration: 01:00
Rock into happy baby to soothe your lower back and open your hips with a playful stretch.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat.
- Lift your feet and draw knees toward your armpits.
- Grab the outer edges of your feet and gently pull your knees toward the floor while keeping your low back grounded.
Tips
- Press your tailbone toward the floor to keep the lower back happy.
- Relax your shoulders and jaw while you breathe.
Adjustments
- Hold your ankles or calves if reaching your feet is a stretch today.
Lying Figure Four
Duration: 02:00
Ease into a lying figure four to release tight glutes and soothe your lower back.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Cross one ankle over the opposite thigh just above the knee.
- Lift the bottom leg and clasp hands behind the thigh, gently pulling the legs toward your chest.
Tips
- Relax your head and shoulders on the floor.
- Keep your lower back pressing gently into the mat.
Adjustments
- Loop a strap behind your thigh if reach is an issue.
- Leave the bottom foot on the floor for a lighter stretch.
Frog Pose
Duration: 01:00
Ease into frog pose to open your inner thighs and give your hips a deep, satisfying stretch.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Instructions
- Start on hands and knees, then lower to your forearms.
- Slide your knees out to the sides with hips in line with knees and toes turned outward.
- Press your hips back toward your heels to deepen the stretch while breathing steadily.
Tips
- Keep your chest lifted slightly so your spine stays long.
Adjustments
- Bring knees closer together or place blankets under them for less intensity.
Squat Stretch
Duration: 01:00
Drop into a deep squat to open your hips, ankles, and lower back with mindful pressure from your elbows.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and toes slightly turned out.
- Lower your hips into a deep squat while keeping heels grounded.
- Place elbows inside your knees, press palms together, and hold the stretch.
Tips
- Lift your chest and keep your back straight.
- Use your elbows to gently guide knees outward.
Adjustments
- Place a folded towel under your heels if they lift off the floor.
- Hold onto a chair or wall for balance support.
Double Pigeon
Duration: 02:00
Stack your shins in double pigeon to dive deep into the outer hips and glutes.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Instructions
- Sit tall with legs extended, then bend one knee and bring the shin parallel to your torso.
- Bend the other knee and stack that shin on top so the ankle rests over the bottom knee and the feet flex.
- Lengthen through your spine and let your hands rest beside your hips or on the top shin.
- Stay upright or hinge forward slightly if you want more sensation.
Tips
- Keep both feet flexed to protect the knees.
- Sit tall and reach the crown of your head toward the ceiling to avoid collapsing.
Adjustments
- Extend the bottom leg forward if stacking both shins feels like too much today.
Reclined Butterfly
Duration: 01:00
Lie back and let your knees fall wide to gently open your hips and ease your spine.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat.
- Bring the soles of your feet together and allow knees to fall out to the sides.
- Rest your arms by your sides with palms facing up and breathe into the stretch.
Tips
- Let gravity open your hips without forcing them.
Adjustments
- Place cushions or blocks under your thighs for support if needed.
Take a final breath on your back, then stand up feeling lighter around your hips.
