Hip Closers: Mastering the Art of Connection
- Hip openers may tend to be more popular in yoga classes simply because they can make us feel like we're "getting somewhere," says Jenni Rawlingsa yoga educator whose...
- Even though hip closers can appear to be more subtle positions, their effect is just as beneficial to the body as hip openers.
- Practice these hip-closing poses as a sequence or choose a few to start with, notably after a hip-opening routine.
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Hip openers may tend to be more popular in yoga classes simply because they can make us feel like we’re “getting somewhere,” says Jenni Rawlingsa yoga educator whose focus is anatomy and movement science. Simply put, they’re bigger movements.
Even though hip closers can appear to be more subtle positions, their effect is just as beneficial to the body as hip openers. “Movement variety is generally a good thing, including more ways of moving our hips,” says Rawlings. “Especially in directions we don’t often emphasize in yoga. It can add variety to our movement practice and help us build body awareness in underexplored positions.”
9 Hip Closers (to Balance All Those Hip Openers)
Practice these hip-closing poses as a sequence or choose a few to start with, notably after a hip-opening routine.
1. Mountain Pose With Block Between Thighs
Stand tall. Place a block between your thighs, a couple inches above your knees. Step your