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So many of us are plagued by tight hips — and it feels so good when you can get them to open up and move. In this one-minute video, I’ll show you a fantastic hip-opening stretch known in yoga as “pigeon pose.” I also mention tips on how to do this if you’re less flexible, and how to progress the stretch if you’re more flexible. The pigeon stretch is not only great for your hips, but can relieve low-back stiffness and sciatic pain, as well.
See if you can work up to spending five minutes per side in this pose. Keep breathing and stay relaxed throughout, and don’t push into a “bad” pain. You may feel discomfort, but you shouldn’t be in pain.
Pigeon Stretch
Target Joints:
- Hip
- Knee
- Thoracic spine
- Shoulder girdle
Target Muscles:
- Glutes
- IT band
- Lats
- Intercostals
Andy is what you’d call a modern day Renaissance Man: a former professional trumpeter who attended the Eastman School of Music; a snowboarder, mountain biker, surfer, kayaker, outrigger paddler, mountaineer, and former Marine (Gulf War veteran); a professionally sponsored adventure racer; and the oldest participant to qualify for and participate in the CrossFit Games at the age of 43.
Andy is a certified CHEK Practitioner and holistic lifestyle coach. He holds a spectrum of certifications from CrossFit and is also a Vivobarefoot certified running coach. He has trained as a Zen buddhist and graduated with a Master’s degree in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica.
Andy founded CrossFit LA one of the first and most successful CrossFit training centers in the world and the first to be featured in national media. He is the co-founder of the Whole Life Challenge, Inc, currently its president, and is also a consultant and life/business coach. Andy lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Julia, and son, Dashel.
Andy is a certified CHEK Practitioner and holistic lifestyle coach. He holds a spectrum of certifications from CrossFit and is also a Vivobarefoot certified running coach. He has trained as a Zen buddhist and graduated with a Master’s degree in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica.
Andy founded CrossFit LA one of the first and most successful CrossFit training centers in the world and the first to be featured in national media. He is the co-founder of the Whole Life Challenge, Inc, currently its president, and is also a consultant and life/business coach. Andy lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Julia, and son, Dashel.
