Your Exercise Challenge:
Pigeon pose
By Bernadette Kathryn, LMT, IHLC
The physical benefits of the Pigeon pose in Yoga include:
- Opening the hip flexors which is essential for a healthy back
- Improves circulation of the abdominal cavity and low back
- Stimulates the digestive and reproductive systems
This pose is contraindicated for anyone with a hip or knee injury and back or shoulder injury. You can modify the pose with blankets, pillows and props to assist your body into the pose.
To begin:
- Bend your left knee and place your left foot near your groin with your toes pointed in toward your midline.
- Extend your right leg straight back, with the front of your thigh, shin and foot resting on the floor.
- Strive to widen your hips out and square to the front with your torso uplifted through your spine.
- Repeat on the opposite side.
To progress:
- Bend your back leg and grasp your foot with your hands
- Open your chest and shoulders, lifting through your spine
- Breathe deeply and slowly while holding the stretch for 15 seconds
- Repeat on the opposite side.
unfortunately i currently fall into the contraindicated category. i’m taking yoga, hopefully i’ll become flexible enough to be able to do this eventually.