Practice Point #89 - Tight Hips and Thighs

I received a question from Paresh from India. Their question is...

Hi, I have very stiff hip muscles, and in addition my sides of the thighs which has Illio tibial band and other muscles are also very tight , which makes even attempt At Padmasan very painful. Please guide how can I get more mobility in those areas ?

You are not the only one.

One things I think is great for releasing the Illio Tibial Band is a foam roller. I find this gives instant release, but you do have to do it regularly otherwise this band will just tighten up again.

And you are right when the hips are tight it makes postures like Padmasana very challenging.

So I recommend working with the introductory postures that lead towards padamasana to help open the hips.

It requires regular disciplined practice of these postures for you to see a change in the openness of your hips.

Regularly practice baddhakonasana, janu sirsasana, upavista konasana.

Furthermore practicing these postures with the back on the floor, buttocks to the wall makes them feel quite different and gives a new freedom in the hips.

As per the image give it a try.