Classic Pigeon and Resting Pigeon as demonstrated by Karen Watson Reeves, help open the hip joint and stretch the thighs. Photography: Fred Padilla
**Three free classes to the first person to identify the rooftop**
Email Karen at TheYogaPlaceHS@gmail.com.
By Karen Watson Reeves
It is not unusual for yoga teachers to hear frequent requests from students for “hip openers.” And it is not unusual to see pigeons on rooftops.
Pigeon Pose is one of my favorite hip openers, and it seemed appropriate to practice it from a rooftop! There are three basic variations of Pigeon Pose: Classic Pigeon, Resting Pigeon, and King Pigeon. The first two are pretty accessible to most students and are pictured in this article, but King Pigeon is a challenging version that I have not yet mastered.
As stated in previous articles, we are a society of tight-hipped folks, due to prolonged sitting, standing, even walking, and cycling, which keeps the hips “closed” and thus, tight. When the hips are open, posture is better, as well as alignment and overall flexibility. Open hips also release negative feelings and energy, since we tend to store stress and anxiety in our hips.
Pigeon Pose opens the hip joint, lengthens the hip flexor, stretches the thighs, gluteals, and piriformis muscles, and extends the groin and psoas. It is common to hear from students that Pigeon Pose has relieved sciatic pain.
Pigeon Pose is useful to athletes, particularly those who play pivot sports such as tennis, basketball, or soccer. When the hips are open, speed and agility are improved. Tight hips can transfer stress to the knees. Less knee strain means greater range of motion and reduced risk to the ACL. Flexible and aligned hips are essential for an athlete’s best performance. Athlete or not, we all crave that range of motion and flexibility! And, you don’t even HAVE to get on a rooftop to practice!
**Three free classes to the first person to identify the rooftop** Email Karen at TheYogaPlaceHS@gmail.com.
Karen Watson Reeves has called Hot Springs home since 2006. Owner of The Yoga Place, at 301 Whittington Avenue, she became a registered yoga/children’s yoga teacher in 2011. She is on the Hot Springs YMCA teaching staff and is an adjunct instructor at National Park College. When not on the mat, Karen enjoys the beautiful outdoors of the National Park, especially from her bicycle. For more information about her studio and her schedule of classes, visit www.theyogaplacehs.com.
