Instructions:
- Sit on the ground and place your right leg in front of you at a 90-degree angle in external rotation.
- Your knee and ankle should have contact with the ground and your right shoulder should be aligned with your knee.
- Use your right hand for support to remain upright.
- Place your left leg behind you, internally rotated, at a 90-degree angle.
To check your alignment, raise your left arm. The shoulder and arm should run parallel with the thigh and the knee, and your ankle should be in line with your knee.
Forward Position:
- Sit upright with good posture (i.e., core engaged, shoulders back and down). Your knees and ankles should maintain contact with the ground.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: For those with particularly tight hips, this position may be a stretch all on its own.
- Maintaining an upright position, gently lean forward and hover over the shin. Only go as far as you can without losing position. Do NOT simply fold over.
Backward Position:
- To work on the internal rotation, lean backwards gently, rotating through the hip rather than the spine.
- Try to reach your previously free hand to the ground for support. If you cannot reach the ground, then use a yoga block or something stable for support.
Pigeon Stretch:
The “Pigeon Stretch” is also referred to as “The Runner’s Stretch” because it releases tightness and tension in the hips and glutes that occur from running.
Instructions
- Bend down on your hands and knees, and then bring your right leg out in between your hands in a lunge position.
- Once in a lunge, heel-toe your foot to the left hand and then drop your right foot and knee to the ground. Position your foot between your left hip or left armpit, depending on your level of flexibility.
- Place both hands in front of you for support and then look over your left shoulder to ensure that your left leg is straight and is in line with your left hip.
- Maintain this position for 30-seconds to 1:00 before switching to the opposite side.
NOTE: You may lower yourself onto your elbows or even to the ground to deepen the stretch.
While stretching is an important part of injury prevention and the recovery process, it is equally important to perform strengthening exercises.
Cross-ankle standing forward bend-
Stand with your right ankle crossed in front of your left, bending your knees slightly.
- Hinge your hips to fold forward, placing your hands on the floor or a block.
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Press your right leg back and your left leg forward.
- Hold for 20 seconds to 1 minute.
- Then do the opposite side.
- Repeat 2 to 3 times.