Pigeon Stretch
How To Do Pigeon Stretch With Proper Form
Begin in a plank or downward dog position.
Bring your right knee forward and place it behind your hands, shin angled slightly outward.
Extend your left leg straight back with the top of the foot resting on the mat.
Keep your hips square to the floor and chest lifted.
Breathe and relax into this stretch.
Open Tight Hips
Pigeon stretch is a go to for hips that feel locked up from sitting. By folding one leg in front and easing your weight forward, you reach the deep muscles around the hip that everyday stretching often misses, helping you sit, walk, and move with more freedom.
The Muscles It Releases
This pose targets the glutes and the deep hip rotators, including the piriformis, which sits beneath the larger glute muscles. Releasing this area can ease tension that radiates into the hips and lower back.
A Few Pointers
A favorite among athletes and anyone with stiff hips, including those managing hip arthritis. Ease in slowly, keep your hips square, and place a cushion under the hip if you need support. Never push into pain.
