THE FRONT HIP AND THIGH STRETCHING POSES
Activities such as jogging, bicycling, walking, sitting, and climbing stairs tighten the front hip and thigh muscles. Very few everyday activities stretch these muscles. Tight muscles on the front of the hip, combined with the added weight of the uterus, pull the front pelvis downward. This may cause pain and compression in the lower back.
Front hip and thigh stretches counterbalance the squatting and hip stretching poses in Chapter 5 and the hamstring stretching poses in Chapter 6. Together these poses create an even development of legs and hips, and a feeling of freedom in the joints.
The hero’s pose and variations have a revitalizing effect on legs, feet, and ankles. Sitting in the hero’s pose improves circulation in legs, removes fatigue, and lessens swelling in ankles.