Opening the Hips, A Practical Guide

The hips are a gateway — not just to movement, but to memory, emotion, and energy. In many spiritual and somatic traditions, this part of the body is where we store what hasn’t yet been processed: old grief, anger, fear, even joy we weren’t ready to feel. Over time, this energetic holding pattern can dull our vitality and restrict our freedom — both physically and emotionally.

The lotus flower grows through the mud — its beauty arising from the depths it has journeyed through. Padmasana, or Lotus Pose, mirrors this process. It requires the hips to open in all directions, a full blooming that can only happen when we soften and surrender. To sit in lotus is not just a physical achievement, but a symbolic one — the body reflects the spirit’s unfolding. Each layer of release in the hips is like another petal opening, a quiet return to the self beneath the armour.

Explore these videos and discover a practice that invites you to release and open yourself to new possibilities.

⚡️ DAY 1: MOBILITY + CONTROL (FRC-Inspired)

  1. Hip CARs (Controlled Articular Rotations)
    A foundational movement to improve joint health and mobility.
    Watch Video
  2. 90/90 Hip Stretch with Isometric Activation
    Targets deep hip muscles and enhances neuromuscular control.
    Watch Video
  3. Standing Hip Flexion with Resistance Band
    Strengthens hip flexors and improves active range of motion.
    Watch Video
  4. Wall-Assisted Squat with Pulse Holds
    Engages glutes and quads while promoting hip stability.
    Watch Video
  5. Dynamic Pigeon Stretch
    Combines flexibility and strength to open the hips.
    Watch Video

🕉 DAY 2: DEEP STRETCH + PRANAYAMA

  1. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose)
    A restorative pose that gently opens the hips and groin.
    Watch Video
  2. Half Saddle Pose
    Stretches the quadriceps and hip flexors, targeting the front of the hips.
    Watch Video
  3. Dragon Pose (Yin Yoga)
    Deeply opens the hip flexors and groin, enhancing flexibility.
    Watch Video
  4. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
    Balances the nervous system and supports deep relaxation.
    Watch Video

🌀 DAY 3: FUNCTIONAL FLOW

  1. Lizard to Squat to Twist Flow
    Enhances hip mobility through dynamic transitions.
    Watch Video
  2. Cossack Squats
    Improves lateral hip mobility and strength.
    Watch Video
  3. Bear Crawl and Ape Walk
    Engages multiple muscle groups, promoting functional movement.
    Watch Video
  4. Hip Yoga Flow
    Effective techniques to improve hip mobility and flexibility.
    Watch Video

Middle Split Stretching Routine

Hack the inbuilt security mechanism that prevents flexibility.
Watch Video

  1. Dynamic Frog Stretch
    Targets the inner thighs and groin, enhancing flexibility.
    Watch Video

🌙 DAY 4: RELEASE + YIN

  1. Piriformis Muscle Self-Release with Massage Ball
    Alleviates tension in the glutes and piriformis muscle.
    Watch Video
  2. Iliacus/Psoas Release (Supine Ball Technique)
    Targets deep hip flexors to release stored tension.
    Watch Video
  3. Butterfly Fold (Yin Style)
    Gently opens the hips and stretches the inner thighs.
    Watch Video
  4. Sleeping Swan (Yin Pigeon Pose)
    Provides a deep stretch for the hips and glutes.
    Watch Video

🏹 DAY 5: POWER ASANA DAY

  1. Warrior II Flow with Long Holds
    Builds strength and stability in the hips and legs.
    Watch Video
  2. Skandasana to Standing Splits Transition
    Enhances balance and hip flexibility through dynamic movement.
    Watch Video
  3. Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (King Pigeon Prep)
    Deepens hip opening and prepares for advanced backbends.
    Watch Video
  4. Utkata Konasana (Goddess Pose) Pulses
    Strengthens the lower body and opens the hips.
    Watch Video
  5. Bridge Pose with Block Between Knees
    Engages the glutes and inner thighs, promoting hip stability.
    Watch Video
  6. Hanumanasana (Full Splits)
    Advanced pose that stretches the hamstrings and hip flexors.
    Watch Video

💃 DAY 6: SOMATIC + PLAY

  1. Sufi Grinding, Hip Rolls, and Spine Waves
    Explores fluid movements

🌀 Sufi Grinding

Sufi Grinding involves rhythmic, circular movements of the torso, promoting spinal flexibility and emotional release.Brett Larkin Yoga+1TikTok+1

  • Carolyn Cowan – The Power of Sufi Grind
    A gentle introduction focusing on breath and spinal fluidity.
    Watch on YouTube
  • Brett Larkin – Mastering the Sufi Grind
    Detailed breakdown of technique and benefits, integrating somatic awareness.
    Read the article

🧘‍♀️ Hip Rolls

Hip Rolls help in releasing tension and increasing mobility in the hip region.

  • Mindful Mobility: Somatic Exercises for Hips & Legs
    A session exploring gentle movements to rejuvenate your hips and legs.
    Watch on YouTubeYouTube

🌊 Spine Waves

Spine Waves are undulating movements that enhance spinal flexibility and nervous system regulation.

Somatic Full Practice #7: Freeing the Spine
A comprehensive session focusing on releasing the spine through somatic practices.
Watch on YouTube

Basic Spinal Wave
A foundational practice to develop and improve spinal mobility.
Watch on YouTubeTikTok+2YouTube+2Brett Larkin Yoga+2

These pages may be of further interest

Scroll to Top