How to use yoga blocks in hip opening poses

Tight hips are more often the rule than the exception, perhaps due to our modern lifestyle of sitting for extended periods and a tendency towards inactivity. When we move less, the range of motion in our hips gets limited, which means the hips are getting tighter.

Hips that are too tight can affect our posture and cause pains in other areas, from the back to the knees. It’s important to keep your hips loose!

When you’re starting hip-opening poses, some poses might not feel as accessible to you, and your hips may be very tight. Don’t be discouraged! Instead, turn to our friends for the yoga blocks for some assistance.

Use the blocks in hip-opening poses to get some great tips.

Baddha Konasana — Bound Angle Pose

Pose: If you notice your knees are higher than your hips, you may feel a pulling in your legs. Your knees will try to compensate for an opening that should come from your hips.

Use the block by simply sitting on it. Always make this your first step. Lifting the hips will lessen the pressure on your knees. Second, you can place blocks underneath the knee or upper thigh to support your legs so they are not dangling.

You can use a bolster to raise your torso in the Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound-Angle Pose) while placing the blocks under the thighs.

Ardha Kapotasana — Pigeon Pose

Pose: When the hips, and especially the hip flexors, are tight, the buttocks of the bent leg tend to swing sideways. If the hip of your bent leg is floating mid-air, it will also strain your knee.

How to Use the Block: Place the edge of the block under the buttocks of the bent leg. This will raise the side of your hip and give you more stability in the pose. The sacrum is safe when the hips are in line.

Virasana — Hero Pose

Poses: Hero poses can be comfortable for breathing exercises but difficult if your hips are tight. This can be very difficult for your knees and even impossible at times! You can enjoy this pose for longer if you use a block.

How the block is used: Instead of sitting between your legs on the ground, place a block in the middle. Sit on the block. Be sure that the block is supporting both of your sitting bones.

The hip-opening poses will be an essential part of your yoga class. The tighter your hips are, the more you need them. Grab those blocks and use them to support you on your journey to greater flexibility.