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
Matsyasana (Supported)
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Place a bolster horizontally on your mat (or use two stacked blocks).
opens the chest, heart, and throat gentlyDandasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesPaschimottanasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine
Virabhadrasana II
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesAnjaneyasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your right foot back into a long lunge position.
stretches the hip flexors and groin of the back legUtkatasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesUttanasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
Tadasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awareness
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat and hip-width apart.
strengthens the back, glutes, and hamstringsSalabhasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie face down with arms alongside your torso, palms facing up.
strengthens the muscles of the spine, glutes, and backs of the arms and legs
Savasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep restJanu Sirsasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backSavasana
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.
- 1Supported Fish Pose1 min
- 2Staff Pose1 min
- 3Seated Forward Fold1 min
- 4Warrior II1 min
- 5Crescent Lunge1 min
- 6Chair Pose1 min
- 7Standing Forward Fold1 min
- 8Mountain Pose1 min
- 9Bridge Pose1 min
- 10Locust Pose1-2 min
- 11Corpse Pose1-2 min
- 12Head-to-Knee Pose1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
