In fact, I took the first yoga class I’ve ever actually enjoyed less than a month ago.
What made this particular class different? The instructor.
The class I loved was a power yoga class and the instructor did her best to offer modifications for those of us in the class who did not possess Cirque du Soleil-type flexibility.
She offered the modifications by giving suggestions, and didn’t make me feel inadequate for not having the ability to get into the positions some of the more experienced people in the class could easily hold for an extended period of time.
The instructor offered the modifications by saying things like, “Maybe today you’ll grab on to your big toe and extend your leg out in front of you (yeah right), or maybe you’ll simply cross your leg over your knee and hold your balance (that’s more like it!).”
Aside from the amazing instructor, I loved the class because of the amazing stretch I felt through my hips when I held the pigeon pose.
Yoga Pose May
When I heard about Yoga Pose May, a blog-wide challenge featuring a new yoga pose daily (coordinated by Kate and Tina), I immediately signed up to cover the pigeon pose, since my love for the hip-releasing stretch was quickly blossoming.
A tutorial as to how to properly get into the pigeon pose may be found here.
For the visual learners out there, here’s a glimpse of the pigeon pose, Julie-style:
Cooo... Cooo....
Just kidding. 😉
Here’s a glimpse of the real pigeon pose:
Pigeon
(Note: It is extremely difficult to snap a picture of yourself in a yoga pose using the self timer on your camera. With only 10 seconds to get on the ground and get into the pose, I think I may have pulled my groin a good seven times trying to get this shot. And yes, that’s the best I could do. 😉 )
Happy yogaing! 😀
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Love your pigeon pose, haha! 🙂
I have my tree pose coming up next week 😉
I LOVE pigeon pose. It feels so good after a run!
My left hip has been feeling super tight recently, so I’m going to try this RIGHT NOW actually! Thanks for the tip!
I’m so trying this tonight. I’ve been working later recently so I’ve been spending more time seated at my desk. My hips are feeling it!
I love this pose. One of my favorites. Because 1. i can tell it is doing something good for my body and 2. it does not make me want to die. : )
I wish I had the patience for yoga! I’ve tried it a couple times and failed miserably 🙁 Maybe the third time’s the charm?! 🙂
That pose looks like it’d give a great stretch though!
Enjoy your morning 🙂
You crack me up! haha Looks like you’re getting a good tan going in that warm Florida sun! Ow ooow!
LOVE pigeon pose – perfect stretch for tight runner’s hips! Try the double pigeon: bring your back leg up to sit cross-legged, but try to stack your shins and have your top ankle rest on your knee. Then lean forward over your legs to feel it in your hips. Hurts. so. good.
and ps – yogi is male and yogini is female (learned it last week during class!)
good to know! thanks for the tip!
Pigeon pose is a great stretch! Nice job! 🙂
Love pigeon! Yog ahas helped all my other workouts mainly through the hip openers. There is nowhere else where you get those kinds of stretches.
Go pigeon pose! 🙂
Pigeon pose is my fav! Do it everyday!
I’ve been doing yoga for 4 years now, but there are still days when I wake up feeling like the most inflexible person in the world. I just listen to my body and do what it can by doing modifications. That’s what yoga is all about! Being in tune with your body 🙂
*lol* I did my runner’s lunge pics with a self timer and felt the same way! great post. 🙂
Those pants look cute and comfy. Where did you get ’em?
thanks! i bought them online through victoria’s secret. 🙂
LOVE the Julie Pigeon pose! 🙂 So cute!
Oh I forgot about this one. love the coo coo pic 🙂
Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful article. Thanks for providing these details.