My favourite stretch for burlesque performer tight hips ! (aka seated pigeon pose)

Today, I want to share with you some tips on a great stretch for tight hips. I feel like every burlesque student that comes through the doors struggles with tightness in the hips!

And we all know that feeling of tightness and discomfort in our hips - and especially after a long day of sitting or if you are starting your burlesque journey and using some different muscles!

Seated pigeon pose is one of my favourite poses to bring some relief to those tight muscles.

First things first, let's talk about the setup for pigeon pose.

  • Start in a seated position with your knees bent

  • Take your hands behind your hips to help keep your back straight

  • Take one leg and cross your ankle above your knee

  • Lean into the sensation!

Remember, it's important to listen to your body and never push yourself beyond your limits. If you experience any pain or discomfort, back off from the pose and modify it to suit your needs.

You can always use props like blocks or blankets to support yourself and make the pose more accessible.

And remember - doing a bit of stretching doesn’t need to take out hours out of your day! You can definitely just do a pose for 5-10 breaths.

So, the next time you're feeling that tightness in your hips, give this version of pigeon pose a try! I find it more comfortable than the traditional pose often taught - it seems a bit more gentle on the knees!

Play around with different variations and find what works best for you. Your hips will thank you for it!