pigeon pose

Pigeon pose is a yoga posture you either love or hate. If your hips are rather open, you may find this pose extremely enjoyable. But if you’re tight in your hips, pigeon pose can make you cringe. Here are 3 ways to get into pigeon pose comfortably. 

Don’t be afraid to take supine variation. 

If half pigeon is causing you more than the usual discomfort that comes with being tight, consider supine pigeon variation. Begin by lying on your back. Draw your knees into your chest. Cross your left ankle above your right knee. Clasp behind your right knee and slowly draw it back into your chest, keeping your head, neck, and shoulders flat on the floor. Repeat on the other side. 

Inch your front foot closer to your opposite hip. 

Many yogis strive to keep their front shins as parallel to the front edge of their mats as possible. However, if you’re tighter in your hips, keeping your shin parallel to the horizon of your mat in this pose can be tough. Instead, draw your front toes toward your opposite hip crease so that your toes are pointing more towards seven or eight o’clock instead of nine o’clock. 

Rise up before hinging forward.  

Take a moment to rise up onto your palms to lengthen your spine before hinging forward. This will help you to find proper alignment and reap the benefits of this posture. 

By following these steps you will soon come to love this posture as much as we do.

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