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
Supta Baddha Konasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the hips and inner groins passivelyUttanasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
Trikonasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesJanu Sirsasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backSupta Matsyendrasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower back
Virabhadrasana II
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesMalasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinBaddha Konasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended.
opens the inner groins and hip flexors
Bhujangasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your belly with your legs extended, tops of your feet on the mat.
strengthens the spine and erector musclesViparita Karani
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit sideways next to a wall.
relieves tired, swollen legs and feet
Savasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep rest
Balasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Kneel on your mat and bring your big toes to touch behind you.
gently stretches the hips, thighs, and anklesSavasana
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.
- 1Reclining Bound Angle1 min
- 2Standing Forward Fold1 min
- 3Triangle Pose1 min
- 4Head-to-Knee Pose1 min
- 5Supine Spinal Twist1 min
- 6Warrior II1 min
- 7Garland Pose1 min
- 8Butterfly Pose1 min
- 9Cobra Pose1 min
- 10Legs Up the Wall1-2 min
- 11Corpse Pose1-2 min
- 12Child's Pose1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
