Not commonly a yoga pose, side lunges can be a great way to stretch the groin (inner thigh) and hamstrings (back of the thigh).
Side lunges 101
Alignment of knees, hips and feet in lunges [video]
Lunges are an excellent stretch for the muscles of the hips, legs and even the feet. It is a stretch or position that is possible for many people despite having tight muscles or limited flexibility. Because it’s quite easy to
Intense stretch for the thighs
Stretches for the quadriceps or thigh muscles are a common request in my classes. They easily get tight from tramping, cycling and running. When they are tight they’re also a major contributor to knee pain and can also affect hip
A twist on the classic lunge
Getting back to the glutes, or the muscles in your buttocks and around your hip joint. These big muscles work hard and easily get tight. I’ve already featured some of the classic poses to stretch this muscle group, but sometimes
Tipping the pelvis (for the better glute stretch)
Last week, I featured a few of my favourite stretches for the glutes (or the muscles in your bum and around your hip). I often recommend tipping your tailbone (or pelvis) in one direction or another to find a better
Release the hips by stretching the thighs
Here are five different ways to stretch your quadriceps or thigh muscles. I’ve included tips for micro movements that can help deepen the stretch.
Lunge variations to stretch the hamstrings and hips
This variation on the traditional lunge helps stretch the hamstrings, hips and buttocks.
Crescent lunge for leap day (stretch thighs)
It’s the 29th of February leap day in a leap year! I tried to think what pose in yoga is most like leaping through the air – and thought of crescent lunge! Particularly if you focus on your back leg.
Simple lunge and twist
Sometimes the simplest poses give the best stretch. They are easy to get in to, accessible to most people and give you a chance to pay attention to the small changes in your body that can affect the stretch.
Simple lunge with a twist (and a few things to consider)
I’m not much of a rugby fan but I did spot a photo of rugby player Dan Carter doing yoga on the field. It’s a variation of a lunge with a twist. I love adding twists into lunges because you