Unlocking Hips: Splits and Forward Folds
Tight hips causing you grief? Whether you are chasing your first split or just trying to touch your toes without crying, we focus on function over form here.
This leg-behind-head sequence took constant practice to regain after a long time. It's a deep hip opener that taught me the value of perseverance and that you can always find your way back to your practice.
Splitting your legs is better than splitting your mind. Hanumanasana, or the full front split, is an intense hip opener that teaches you to breathe through discomfort and find stillness.
Don't forget your twists. This image breaks down the benefits of poses like Bharadvajasana, which improve digestion, aid in detoxification, and prepare the body for deeper backbends and arm balances.
Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana is more than a hamstring stretch; it's a lesson in balance. It teaches us to find the middle ground between effort and ease, both on and off the mat.
This Krounchasana variation is a testament to personal growth. It's a deep seated pose that reminds me to stay true to myself and my practice, rather than chasing trends.
Looks can be deceiving. This Malasana variation is a deep forward fold and hip opener that looks more complex than it feels. It’s a good reminder to try things for yourself before making a judgment.
Ardha Chandra Chapasana, or Sugarcane Pose, is a beautiful combination of balance, hip opening, and heart opening. It challenges your stability while creating a sense of expansion and freedom.
About Unlocking Hips: Splits & Forward Folds
Forget forcing your body into shapes you aren't ready for yet. In my sessions, we use props—like walls, chairs, or simple cushions—to safely deepen your hip openers and forward folds. You do not need to be flexible to start; you just need to be willing to sit with the discomfort and breathe. We prioritize your joint health over aesthetic poses every single time.
Why Your Hips Feel Tight
We store a lot of our daily stress, anxiety, and emotions in our hips. If you spend hours at a desk, your psoas and hip flexors are likely tight, which can manifest as lower back pain or just general stiffness. This isn't just a physical block; it is often a nervous system response.
The "Practice Over Perfection" Approach
In my classes, we don't chase the "perfect" Hanumanasana (full split). Chasing the shape often leads to injury. Instead, we use a mix of Hatha and restorative drills to gently coax those muscles to release.
- Forward Folds: These are your best friend for soothing the nervous system. By gently lengthening the hamstrings, we signal the body that it is okay to let go.
- Hip Openers: We work on poses like Malasana (squat) and Pigeon variations. Yes, they can be intense, but I will guide you on how to modify them. If your knees or ankles aren't happy, we change the angle.
- Prop Improvisation: You don’t need fancy studio gear. I teach you how to use a dupatta for support, a chair for stability, or a pillow for elevation.
Who Is This For?
If you are dealing with PCOD symptoms, tight hamstrings from running, or just general "I sit all day" stiffness, this is for you. We aren't here to look pretty on a mat; we are here to reclaim your range of motion and maybe feel a little less heavy in the process.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
Flexibility & Hip Opening Yoga
Master Hip Flexibility and Splits with Alignment-Based Yoga
16
Hip Opening Yoga Classes for Better Flexibility in Mumbai
8
Flexibility & Deep Stretches at Lakshay Power Yoga
Improve Flexibility & Mobility
5
Asanas for Flexibility and Deep Stretching
Still looking for the right practice?
Type in your specific goal or concern to find a class that fits.
More from Online Yoga Classes by Khushali Joshi Manjunath
More services by Khushali Joshi Manjunath