Reclined Pigeon
Reclined Pigeon
Reclined Pigeon (Supta Kapotasana) is a great elementary pose to relieve tightness in the hips and glutes.
This pose is a wonderful antidote to a program of deadlifting, sitting, driving, cycling and running.
It can be done reclining or seated in a chair, and it’s a safer option than full Pigeon pose.
ALIGNMENT
Lay on your back with knees bent, feet on the floor.
Place the right ankle on top of the left knee.
Flex the right foot.
If you already feel a lot of sensation, stay here and take 3 full breaths.
For more, thread the left hand through the legs and grab behind the left thigh. Pull knees toward the chest.
For even more, grab in front of left shin and pull knees toward the chest.
*Keep head and upper body on the floor as relaxed as possible
BENEFITS
- Improves flexibility in glutes, hamstrings and hips
- May help relieve low back pain
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Knee pain
- Can be either beneficial or aggravating to sciatic conditions
OTHER NAMES
- Thread the Needle Pose
- Figure 4 Stretch
For additional hip openers see, this post.