Fit Friday: Reclined figure four
If your hips are feeling tight after a long week of exercise, lay down and give the figure four a go. This pose stretches out the external thigh, which in turn gives a focused stretch to the hips. This move helps to open your hip bones and loosen your hamstrings and quads. We highly recommend this move for everyone, but it is especially helpful for runners who tend to have tight hips.
To perform: Lay down on your back and with both hands, reach towards your right shin. Grab a hold of your shin and pull your right leg in towards your chest. Next, raise your left leg and place your outer left ankle onto your right knee. Your left leg should lay on top of your left forearm, as well. Breathe deeply as you pull your leg in to feel a nice stretch within the hip. We challenge you to hold this pose for 30 seconds before switching sides.
About our model:
Amy Caldwell, Yoga One studio
1150 Seventh Ave., downtown
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