FitSugar

Strike a Yoga Pose: Pigeon Crescent

FitSugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 05:30:00 PDT

This variation of the Pigeon pose, takes it to a whole new level. After experimenting with Pigeon Twist, you are going to want to try Pigeon Crescent. The pose feels very majestic and peaceful and really opens up your hips.

Sanskrit Name: Eka Pada Kapotasana (variation)
English Translation: One-Legged King Pigeon Pose (variation)
Also Called: Pigeon Crescent

For a detailed description of how to do this pose

Begin in Downward Facing Dog. Bring your right knee forward between your hands and come into Pigeon pose.
Rest your right hand beside your right shin and bend your left knee.
Reach for your left foot with your right hand and place the top of your foot in the crook of your left elbow.
Keep your left elbow bent to hold your foot in place, and then raise your right arm overhead. If you can, hold your right fingers with your left hand.
Work on opening through your chest and arching back slightly, but try to keep the weight of your torso right over your hips. Stay here for five or more breaths, and then gently release your arms and straighten your left leg behind you.
Plant your palms on either side of your right knee and step your right leg back and come into Downward Facing Dog, holding here for one complete breath. Then bring your left knee forward in between your hands and do this pose on the other side.

Tara Stiles Shows Us the Best Yoga Pose For Stress Relief

Michele Foley — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:11:17 PST

After a coast-to-coast flight, relief came in the form of Strala Yoga's class, Relax. The class is a staple at the New York-based studio, owned by well-known yogini Tara Stiles and her husband, Michael Taylor. Still feeling wound up after class from traveling and lack of sleep, I asked Tara what her go-to yoga pose is for releasing stress and finding calm. Tara didn't hesitate to say that Pigeon pose and all of its variations make the best stress relievers. Whether you run, bike, or sit at a desk all day, Tara says that Pigeon poses help calm the body and mind by releasing built-up tension in the often-tight hips and hamstrings.

Tara likes that you can stay in Pigeon for as little or as long as you like and that it only takes a small movement to increase intensity. For those times when stress is high, Tara suggests massaging the forehead while in Pigeon or lying hands gently on the floor and resting your torso on your knee. Go even deeper into the pose by progressing into Pigeon Crescent (seen here), which will open up the chest and spine. Tara adds that Pigeon can help with sleep issues like insomnia, making it a good pose to wind down with in the evening. Most importantly, to truly reduce tension, connect with your breath: "Every inhale makes more room in your body, self, and mind," Tara says. "Your pose should feel easy with deep breaths helping to guide you from the inside out - no struggling; no clenching; slow, slow, slow."

Which yoga poses help you ease stress?

Hip Stretches to Reduce Tightness and Back Pain

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:46:31 PDT

When stretching out the lower body, the hips often get passed over in favor of the calves, quads, and hamstrings. Bad idea! Hip flexors are what help lift the legs while running, which means they are prone to tightness. Even if you don't run, but you sit a lot during the day, you're probably tight in your hips, so get a stretching! There's also an added bonus to incorporating some Pigeon Pose into your life: stretching out your hips also reduces back pain. Get yourself loose and limber by incorporating the following hip stretches into your daily routine.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Crescent Moon

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:00:00 PST

I love yoga not only because it strengthens and stretches my muscles, but also because of the feelings I get in certain poses. Sometimes I feel bold and grounded, like in Hummingbird, and sometimes I feel calm and content, as in Pigeon Twist. Then there are poses, like Crescent Moon, that make me feel beautiful and energized. Arching your back helps open your heart both physically and emotionally.

Sanskrit Name: Anjaneyasana
English Translation: Crescent Moon Pose
Also Called: Reverse Warrior

Keep reading if you're ready to give this pose a try.