Baddha Konasana for People with Tight Hips! with Sherry Zak Morris

Take a look at this awesome Yoga pose.  It is called Baddha Konasana with a forward bend. When I was first introduced to this pose many years ago, I never did look like the photo on the right. Now, over 15 years later… I still don’t look like the photo on the right. The photo of me above is current day. You would think that by practicing Yoga for over 15 years, I would eventually get to that beautiful folded shape AND have my head touch the floor! What gives?

Anatomy! – plain and simple, is often the reason why some Yoga poses are super easy for some, and super hard for others.  We are all built differently and thus why there is such a variation of Yoga poses and modifications that are being offered in Gentle and Adaptive Yoga classes that cater to people of all ages, shapes and abilities.

Baddha Konasana is a wonderful pose for opening up the hips for those of us who sit a lot.  It allows the low back to release into a gentle forward bend.  And according to the Yoga Journal magazine, there are even more benefits!

Stimulates abdominal organs, ovaries and prostate gland, bladder, and kidneys Stimulates the heart and improves general circulation Stretches the inner thighs, groins, and knees Helps relieve mild depression, anxiety, and fatigue Soothes menstrual discomfort and sciatica Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause Therapeutic for flat feet, high blood pressure, infertility, and asthma Consistent practice of this pose until late into pregnancy is said to help ease childbirth. Traditional texts say that Baddha Konasana destroys disease and gets rid of fatigue.

Baddha Konasana takes your legs into a shape of a diamond and is a great hip opener and low back releaser.  But, if you have tight hips, tight low back and/or tight hamstrings – this pose can be more frustrating than fun. Try these Gentle Yoga variations to this very beneficial pose.