20-Minute Yoga for Hip Opening
The hips respond beautifully to patient, sustained attention. This 20-minute flow works through the hip flexors, outer rotators, and inner groin in a deliberate order, allowing each layer to release before the next is addressed.
Duration
20 minutes
Poses
13 poses
Goal
Hip Opening
The Flow
Janu Sirsasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backAnjaneyasana
1 min(8 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your right foot back into a long lunge position.
stretches the hip flexors and groin of the back legPaschimottanasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spineMalasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinSalamba Bhujangasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your belly with legs extended, tops of feet on the mat.
gently stretches and strengthens the spine
Vrksasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionBaddha Konasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended.
opens the inner groins and hip flexors
Virabhadrasana I
1 min(8-10 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and corePhalakasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisersViparita Karani
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit sideways next to a wall.
relieves tired, swollen legs and feetUttanasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower backSupta Matsyendrasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower back
Savasana
3 min
Allow every muscle to soften completely. This is where the practice integrates.
promotes full recoveryQuick Reference
All 13 poses in this sequence, in order.
- 1Head-to-Knee Pose1 min
- 2Crescent Lunge1 min
- 3Seated Forward Fold1 min
- 4Garland Pose1 min
- 5Sphinx Pose1 min
- 6Tree Pose1 min
- 7Butterfly Pose1 min
- 8Warrior I1 min
- 9Plank Pose1 min
- 10Legs Up the Wall1-2 min
- 11Standing Forward Fold1-2 min
- 12Supine Spinal Twist1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
