Why Can’t I Do Pigeon Pose?! How To Make It Easier!

[@thisisatest423]

Oh my God. My pidgeon finally feels right. Safe, and stretchy in the right places. I've been doing yoga for 10 years and never felt the stretch where you're supposed to feel it in pidgeon, and I always felt really anxious about possible knee injury in this pose. This was incredibly helpful. Thank you so much, Lizzie!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

This made my day! I am super excited for you! 💕

[@LYoung-et2sg]

SAME!! I am stunned. Pigeon was always wonky and uncomfortable on my right side, leg was never 90°...This actually worked! 😮

[@simonselvaendran8770]

​@@Lizzie.Brooks3333333333333334444433443

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I am over the moon!@@LYoung-et2sg

[@nursensenyurt1467]

Türkçe?

[@gtinsa]

In all my years of doing yoga I have never seen this way of getting into that pose! Just so amazingly done!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Oh gosh! I'm so glad this helped!

[@zimasangqokolo1188]

OH MY GOODNESS!!! Where have you been???!!! It all makes sense now!!!! Thank you! 🙏🏾

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm SO happy to hear it makes sense now! For so long, I didn't feel like pigeon pose made sense to most people--myself included. I wanted to find a way to work with our joint anatomy, make it safe, and access more benefit all at once. Thanks for your kind words!

[@cathyd74]

So many people still watching your video Lizzie, helpful advice too!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Awe, I know! It took off this week for some reason. I'm thrilled it's helping folks! 💗

[@martysteine9935]

I'm a man in my sixties, doing yoga for 4 years now and in yoga teacher-training. Always struggled with pigeon and its effects on the knee, so I do different figure-4 variations. But I love your tip/trick. It makes so much sense and feels right. I also love your emphasis on trusting your intuition and sensory feedback before the "orders" of the teacher. Thank you.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

That's so cool that you are in teacher training! It means the world to me that this information was helpful and that you took to heart what I was saying about listening to your body over what ANY teacher tells you! :)

[@elcheapo9444]

I am 62 and I was gobsmacked when I nailed it the very first time. I started yoga 5 months back. I even asked my instructor to double check to see if I was doing it right. I owe it to my switching to a vegetarian diet.

[@yasminat1247]

I am in shock. 10 years of pigeon and I have never felt the true alignment until today. This is genius. Every practitioner should be taught this! Thank you!!!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

This makes me soooo happy to hear! I feel like I made this up but I never like to claim that since most things have already been done before--I've just never seen this taught. I found myself with knee issues in this pose and wondered how I could leverage the joints in a safe manner to get a good stretch. This is what helped me.

[@trannel73]

Cyclist/Runner here 👋 Wow. What a game changer. and struggling to get proper stretches with the pigeon pose. This helped me a lot! :)

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm so happy this was helpful! I wish more people knew about it. I never liked pigeon until I came up with this move. Best of luck!

[@trannel73]

@@Lizzie.Brooks i will spread the word with my running and cycling friends ☺️ cheers from Hamburg, Germany!

[@AvengingNative]

Omg, thank you!!!! Yes, that "parallel w/the mat" effs me every time!! So, THANK YOU so much, for this!!!!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Yes! I've always hated that cue! Many folks have been injured trying to create it. There are better ways to make these poses safe and effective. :)

[@lisahughet8984]

I LOVE how you give us permission and understanding of what to do with so many options. You're right, we do look to the instructors to see how they're doing it and try to mimic it without the benefit of knowing what are options are for each pose. Seriously, you are really great at explaining this!!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

This means so much to me. I'm glad this resonated! ❤️

[@WhyBeIV86]

this is the first time I’ve EVER felt pigeon in my hips and I was always afraid of hurting my knee. Thank you

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Your comment made my day! I'm so happy to hear you were able to safely get into your hips! :)

[@delindacurtis6344]

Dang! So good! Been teaching yoga for over 15 years….trust intuitions! Love! 🙏

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

This means a lot coming from a yoga teacher of 15 years. I've taught since 2000 and I always questioned many things that were even taught in my teacher training program. Listening to your body and intuition above EVERYTHING is a great way to go. Thanks for your support!

[@elishatreacy4704]

Thank you so much for this. I've been struggling to do this pose. Every illustration shows everyone so low to the ground.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm so happy this was helpful. Yes, there needs to be A LOT more information out there about this pose as so many people hurt themselves trying to recreate what they've been taught/shown. This is an ADVANCED pose even though people often treat it as basic. The health of our bodies/joints is much more important than any pose will ever be.

[@linaeriksson599]

First time ever that pidgeon pose didn’t hurt! Wow!❤

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

That's amazing. I'm so happy this was your experience and thank you for sharing that!

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Thanks for sharing

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

You're welcome! Happy New Year!

[@mariajoselopezmontanez9512]

Thank you so much!! Very very helpfull!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm really happy this helped! :)

[@Ravishns]

Amazing vedio. Today only i learnt this asana through my teacher. Very good stretch indeed. Do you have any vedio on how to practice sitting in lotus pose that is padmasana?

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Thank you so much--I'm glad this was helpful. I don't have a video on lotus. I caution people about trying that one if the hips aren't prepared and the knees hurt as a result. So please be careful and best of luck!

[@carolineramage7480]

That is amazing! I've been doing this pose for years, this is the best it's ever felt. So natural, no stress and deep into the ball of the hip. Thank you so much!!!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Yay! It's times like these that I want to celebrate! I'm so glad this made a difference for you!

[@kathymedlar]

That was the a great instruction to improve the pigeon Pose...clear, concise and helpful!!! Thank you!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Glad it was helpful! This warms my heart!

[@betsy5410]

VERY nice explanation of the adjustment. Thanks!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Im so glad this resonated with you! Thanks for stopping by!

[@juazzshop]

tried this trick today while in pigeon pose and it worked. I have been working on my pigeon for a long time and I couldn't seem to make my sheen be paralel to the mat. Whith this tip I did and I also felt a deeper strech in my hip. Thank you so much Lizzie!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Elena! I am SO excited that this tip was helpful for your pigeon pose! I am no longer putting classes on KZbin so if you want to find me, I have my own site www.LizzieBrooksFit.com. Thanks so much for the kind comment! :)

[@annamariabo8963]

Mind. Blown! I have been pulling on my calf to get the shin parallel and definitely felt it in my knee. Never saw your trick and it makes all the difference.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Anna Maria--thank you for this kind comment. I'm SO thrilled this has been helpful for you!

[@dramrutawadekar]

So so so specific u r! Wow amazing! Superb! I am doing yoga since 3.5 years but always get knee pain in an attempt to make that calf parallel to chest ..

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

So happy to help and glad to dispel the myth that the calf has to be parallel with the front of the mat! Not so! We want you PAIN FREE! :)

[@chrissyparker-1]

Wow! This has made all the difference! I used to dread pigeon pose because it hurt. I thought that the pain was the stretch and I could not understand why others said the pose felt so good. I thought I was just not as flexible in my hips. However, once I tried this slight shift, my hip opened up and I was able to experience what the pose is supposed to feel like. I am so thankful!!!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Yesssss!!! ✨🩷🩵✨ Thrilling to hear this! Really. I'm so glad it changed the pose for you for the better! Thanks for your kind words.

[@xbluupp]

Thank you for the great tips! I’ve been on and off with Yoga classes for several years. All the instructors say is sit down while doing the pigeon pose rather than up. But honestly I was doing the best I can with a tight lower body. And bam! Your tip is life changing. I’ve just managed to sit further downwards without struggling to balance or killing my knee just to do the pose.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm over the moon to hear that this approach helped you so much! I appreciate that you took the time to let me know! I wish you all the best!

[@LaniVoivod]

Great tip! I had knee surgery about a decade ago and my pigeon has never been the same. This is all wonderful guidance. Thank you, Lizzie! 🙌🏼🙏🏼

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Hello, my love! So happy to see you here! Xo

[@kathyyost18]

Wow thank you! What a game changer🥰

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

It makes me happy that this worked so well for you! YAY! :)

[@romahora_nyc]

Wow. Super helpful. Thank you so much!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Absolutely! I'm so glad this made sense for you!

[@nicolegayet1343]

Brillant, thank you

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

You are so welcome! I appreciate your kind comment!

[@steffikruemelmonster]

I'm doing yoga for quite a long time and was really skeptical what tip this could be I don't know. But my mind is kinda blown! I always struggle with this pose even with my shin close. It seems obvious now you said it, but I never thought about it that way. Thank you so much!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm so happy to have kinda blown your mind! ;) I've not seen this technique taught anywhere else. I came up with it many years ago in my own practice because I have knee issues and knew that some of my students did as well. I appreciate that you took the time to leave this kind comment! :)

[@MrMadieu]

When I was a Yoga Student I remember encoutering difficulty with Pigeon pose and experiencing the same 'dangerous' instruction from some Teachers. I ended up with a medial collateral issue with one of my knees, attempting an advanced Yoga pose too hastily, to my detriment. I lived & learned. Now a Yoga teacher myself, this was a great video to recommend to my Students and I thank you for it. x

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm so sorry about your knee issue! As you know, you're not alone in that and often we aren't given good alternatives. I'm thrilled you're teaching and can properly inform your students on how to navigate these tricky poses. And THANK YOU for suggesting this video to them. I appreciate you!

[@nobody4083]

I had a hard time with pigeon for the past three years, as my flexibility and mobility got better I just wasn’t feeling it in my hip enough recently.but when I would try to correct it, I would tweak my knee. This is perfect.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Oh, wonderful! I'm so glad when we find something that addresses a particular issue in a pose! Thanks for your kind words!

[@dhirjain8386]

great trick, very well explained

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm so glad you liked it!

[@KerryButler-xm7sz]

This is Awesome!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm so happy you think so! Thank you! :)

[@jayneyb2006]

Thank you so much, I couldn't understand why I couldn't stay upright without hands

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

No problem! And it's quite normal to not be able to stay upright without the hands. After all, it's not symmetrical from left to right--especially if the hips aren't super-open. It's a crazy pose and it's only worth doing if it benefits us! That's why we have to find safe and effective ways to adapt it to our bodies. :)

[@AdrianDixonFitness]

Great alternatives! Loved the swivel around and reset. FABULOUS 👏

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Thanks so much! 😊 I'm so glad you like the swivel!

[@jessiema1516]

omg. I wish I saw this earlier. I did the version which hurts the knees, thanks so much for pointing it out and let us know how to find the correct position

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm so sorry you hurt your knees--it's so easy to do that in this pose, which is why this information is so important. Are you knees ok, now?

[@marywalsh8438]

OMG...love...love...i am not flexible, have SI joint issues and have hated this pose BUT I managed to do it with this completely different approach. So true we are our own advocate and need to listen to our bodies, so happy I managed to do it, not very graceful but I did my version 😊

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Yes! Yes! Yes! Cheers to doing a version that cares for your body! I'm so happy this worked!

[@MyRockMyFortress]

This is so helpful. No one has talked about this. My pigeon pose has always been a little to bound up. I am going to try this tomorrow morning and let you know.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Yes--I wish more people would talk about this! That's why I have this as my top video on my page. Please let me know how it goes! :)

[@mmwoodcockart]

What does it imply if a person has a better stretch if the knee/leg position comes from the external rotation from the ball/joint socket? Does the person lack mobility in the knee? Does the shape of their pelvis/hips inhibit the leg from being more quad up, hamstring down with the shin paralell in front? I'm trying to increase over all mobility/stretch. I feel improvements in hip flexors and was told my psoas were tight, but I've struggled a lot with hamstring lengthening (have never been able to touch toes, not even as a child). Pigeon pose feels good some days but not others- I wonder if I'm externally rotated without realizing. A great point of instruction that I've not seen or read anywhere else regarding a modified pigeon pose with external rotation :)

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Hi! I'm not sure I fully understand your question but I will do my best and feel free to respond so I can clarify. Having good external rotation in the front hip is what allows the knee to be less compromised since the knee is a hinge joint and we don't want a lot of play back-and-forth of the knee joint. So working on mobility in both hips is helpful to prevent knee injuries and pressure that is put on especially the front knee but also the back. Working on hip flexor flexibility will definitely help, especially for the back leg. The shape of the pelvis definitely has an effect on this pose and so many others. Even how deeply the hip socket is plays a huge part. So yes, bones and soft tissue will dictate the shape of this pose. So you should be externally rotated in the front leg and more internally rotated in the back leg if you're doing the traditional pose. But using some height from a bolster or blanket underneath, the hips can be helpful if there's too much pressure on that front knee. As far as the hamstrings, don't worry too much about trying to overdue flexibility there. Lots of injuries stem from that. I'd also make sure to strengthen them. In yoga, we tend to over-stretch hamstrings while strengthening the quads. We can become unbalanced. So--while I hate hamstring strengthening, I do it now! 😂 just do gentle stretches there as well as the back--since it's all connected. Don't push any pose that doesn't feel like it's benefitting you. ☺️

[@PaloukaMan]

WoW ! what a great tip ! That’s exactly my problem. I’m going to try and see if this at last helps me ❤ Thank you 🙏🏻

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

You are so very welcome! You might want to try it at the same time as you watch that portion of the video, since the move is so weird! Please report back on your findings!!! :)

[@kativangoor3429]

Thank you so much for this valuable alignment cues for pigeon pose! Finally a fellow yoga teacher who looks at the different anatomical and physical conditions of the students. We should always listen to our inner teacher and respect our boundaries. Greetings from Switzerland Kati

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Love that you, too don't teach a "one-side-fits-all" approach! :)

[@mn8696]

Great trick /instructions!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Glad you enjoyed it!🐝

[@kpoulter3586]

Omg, can’t wait to try this pose again. I have always lifted up my leg and moved it. Thanks so much for the instruction to do it correctly!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Yay! Please let me know how it goes--it's a weird move, so you might want to watch as you do it for the first few times. Thanks for your kind comment!

[@bharamas1]

Oh Thank you so much.. The trick really helped !!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Excellent! Yay!

[@winfielddixon5166]

Very helpful, thank you for posting this! Keep making content like this and you'll give livinleggings some competition!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

It means a lot to me that you found this helpful! Thank you for your kind comment!

[@lizp5098]

Genius!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Hey, Liz! THANK YOU!!!

[@finnomara4148]

Excellent tuition. Dying to check out more of your videos

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Thank you! I'm so happy to hear this!

[@bec1224]

Thank you! Excited to try this in my practice!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Wonderful! Let me know how it goes!

[@denisehannan6321]

Thank you! I’ll be sure to demonstrate this in my class. Great help!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Yay! Love that this resonated!

[@bejayhohm]

Excellent ... Thanks so much Lizzie!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

You're so welcome--thanks for the kind comment! :)

[@netra1c]

I tried it and it's just a superb trick..pl teach us more such tricks ❤

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Thank you, I will

[@deekasman5018]

This was so well explained and using the rotating technique to open the hip really works well! I struggle with one really tight hip and this helped open it! Thank you thank you thank you!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Glad it was helpful! I love when this happens! 🦋

[@Malsbury1213]

This is remarkable! Thank you so much for this great tip!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm so glad you think it's remarkable! Yay!

[@suev4143]

Thank you for this. The information and illustration about hip opening is invaluable for pigeon pose, and all poses that encourage or require opening the hip joint. You explained it so well, and now I am able to ease into poses without my knees hurting. I am looking forward to learning more, and enjoying my practice more. Happily subscribing, and letting friends know about your channel.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

My heart is full reading your comment! I am thrilled this was helpful and thank you for sharing!

[@so-iy3ks]

Thank you so much for this video... This is the first complete video on the pigeon pose that allows me to do correctly this posture easily

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Glad it was helpful! It makes me so happy to hear this!

[@sandyguidinger5652]

Thank you, I knew I didn't have it right, but now I know how to correct it!!!❤

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm so glad! Please let me know how it goes!

[@luciehsuen8981]

Great tutorial. Nothing like explaining, understanding & doing the pose right. Intuition, you do you. Never do something that do not feel right. Doing more harm than good. 👍❤️🙏

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Well said! I agree--no one can feel what you feel and we must choose the best things for ourselves!

[@philipsadler6716]

I love it! That move looks like it will help to get students to move the knee lateral to the hip socket instead of straight forward. And you are also getting some good inner spiral to the back leg!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Yes! Exactly! You totally get it. 🎯

[@brianwilliamson1023]

As I have lost flexibility from age and a few major accidents, the tips on getting things moving again are awesome..great video

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

A physical therapist is a smart move. Hydration, joint mobility exercises that explore end-range movement. Even gentle jumping on a rebounder is great for all over health, stiffness reduction, lymphatic drainage, mood, etc. I do a lot of that on my TikTok channel.

[@rawandsabah1083]

Thanks a million 🙏

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

You are so welcome--hope it helped! :)

[@janicealderson4329]

Mine is very stiff and even the back lying version is stiff for me - but i did the sliding version and better need a prop though and my leg not so straight as yours - much better information than all others.

[@g.hughes9997]

Great adjustment! Thank you.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@adraxethmera91]

This is great!!!! Thank you for sharing! Can I ask, I have been told my knee in pigeon needs to be aligned with my hip. I see yours isn't, is it safe for my knee to actually not be exactly in front of the hip but a bit too the side, like yours is? I would be grateful if you could share your wisdom please 😊😊

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Happy to answer. First of all, your knee is "supposed" to go wherever it can to be safe for you while still getting a stretch. But to the side is more how you'll see the pose done in photos and tutorials. The reason for this is the external rotation and abduction from the midline. Because if mobility/flexibility limitations, sometimes the knee comes just in front of the hip and not to the side--but that isn't how I've ever seen it be referred to as "correct." Again--safety is the REAL indicator of what is "correct." We must change the pose for the body--not the body for the pose--I think Leslie Kaminoff first said this. Hope this helps!

[@adraxethmera91]

@@Lizzie.Brooks thank you sooooo much!!! My knees naturally go to the side as you say but I have been forcing them in front of my hips for ages (my pigeon is very deep so there's room for wiggling hehehe) but they have always felt uncomfortable like that! I am going to ditch that bit of advice and follow what you just said, I think anyway that by being uncomfortable my knees were telling me all along this is not quite right. Thank you very much for taking the time to get back to me 🙂

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

@@adraxethmera91 100%. be wary of teachers who are more concerned with their idea of what the shape "should" be, and less about your level of comfort. And honestly, the way they were telling you is quite odd. I applaud your internal listening and keep doing that with all poses! :)

[@MyRockMyFortress]

You deserve a badge of honor in the yoga community for this video alone😂

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

OH MY GOSH!!! THANK YOU!!! :)

[@DoodleBoon]

I audibly gasped when you demonstrated the turn!!!! Amazing thank you 😊

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

An audible gasp--yessss!!! Love that! When I came up with this in my own practice, I think I gasped as well! :)

[@frb72artist]

You are a genius! A nice genius! What a pity I have found your channel only now. Grazie, thank you for this video! 💐

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Wow, thank you! You brought such a big smile to my face!

[@janeelliott6772]

Thank you. I will give it a go.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Hope you enjoy! Let me know how it goes!

[@samday6621]

Nice one! I knew forcing of my foot to where I want it is not right, but had no other plan except continue the mild stretch. I had a friend who would do a pigeon-like pose standing at a table, with the leg on the table.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Glad you liked this one! I love to do pigeon with a table but it's often not accessible for people. Thanks for the kind comment!

[@fwong36]

This is exactly my case with the knee pain felt towards a pigeon. Thanks you so much for such a practical and effective tips for me to head for this pose. It helps me a lot🙏🙏

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm sorry you knee has been in pain in this pose--sadly, that happens a lot due to the angle and pressure put on that hinge joint. That's precisely why I made this tutorial and I'm SO glad it helped! Thanks for your kind words!

[@freenelson7950]

Thank you. 😊. Definitely a game changer for me

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@felicial7628]

Hum. I have very, very tight hips - even when I was young and now after lots of sitting in an office job. This looks inspiring. After watching this, I am ready to try again.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I am so happy this might be helpful as you move forward! :) Let me know how it goes or if you have any questions!

[@roopabuggana4183]

Finally got it right and felt so good!! Thank you for sharing the tips..

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Great to hear! I know this move is a bit weird but when you find just the right place, I find it very helpful as well! Thx for your comment!💖

[@schavonnawilliams484]

This is really great, thank you!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@roosterreese]

Thank YOU! Now it makes sense. Thus truly helped.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

You're welcome! I want everyone to feel better in this pose and I'm so glad this helped! 💙

[@alyssahubbell5160]

Thanks for the tip! I struggle to feel much because I have flexible hips but this helped me feel it more. I love pigeon when I feel it working.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Hi Alyssa! Thanks for your comment! I’m so glad this helped! 🥰

[@viviankuo5843]

This is a really good tip! I’ll try this out. Thank you!! Well-spoken.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Oh, thanks so much, Vivian! I appreciate you! Let me know how it goes! 💕

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Hi Vivian, I’m contacting some folks to update them on my work. I’m no longer able to sustain making all my videos here on KZbin as I make zero money. I’ve been doing this for free for 18 months and I’m in need of an income. My heart is full, but my pockets are empty. If you are interested, I’m planning on moving to a super easy, beautiful, and affordable site to host my video content. I’m thinking $9.99 per month. Please email me your address if you have interest. Thank you for understanding. 🥰 [e-mail]

[@loyckfiona]

Your tip work like magic. 😘

[@eileenpanatier96]

Thank you. This information is very helpful!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I’m so glad you found it helpful!

[@sturkfeld]

Hi Lizzie. Great tips. I just found your channel and I'm a new subscriber. Thank you!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Happy you're here--thank you!

[@ghca-mo7xb]

Thanks Liz Could you show some trick for balancing poses that might help

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

What type of balance are you seeking? Standing poses? Arm balances? For arms, see my videos called, How to effectively arm balance and Arm Balance Tutorial.

[@lillianpalko]

I had pain above the hip and did this modified version and it worked first time!! Thank you.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm SO thrilled to hear this! Excellent! I appreciate your kind comment! 🥰

[@floridahuntsman7915]

Miss ya . Wanted to thank you for all you do . My personal practice through your influence has help me incredibly well.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

You are so welcome. I'm glad your practice has grown. All my best to you and your family!

[@mrindecisive100]

Excellent advice, thank you 🙂

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

You are so welcome!

[@embun1945]

Thank you it helps my pigeon pose.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

You're welcome 😊 I'm really happy it helped your pose!

[@meesh9141]

Awesome 👏🏼

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm so glad you think so! :)

[@brigitteelgie2110]

Fantastic instruction, thank you 😊

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

You’re welcome 😊

[@patperrier4599]

Yoga instructor here, and I have a question that I haven't seen addressed yet. In June 2023 I had a total hip replacement (anterior approach) and I'm just getting back to my practice after a LOT of PT, which I totally appreciate because I was a hot mess prior to surgery. I realize also that it might be a year before I'm fully "back to new normal" -- would these modifications work on the surgical side as front leg? I already do the floor and wall versions, so I'm also fine with those variations. Just curious as to how you'd recommend a "hippie" to do these on that side. Thanks! And I can see how this will help my students - want to use it but would also like to feel it in my own body before I teach it.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

These are great questions. With the anterior hip replacement, I'm more apt to saying that with added height, and not going to full-range mobility, that you could try this (with caution) with the hip-surgery leg forward. Because you are a yoga teacher, I trust you to listed DEEPLY to your body. But I wouldn't be in a rush and when I did it, I'd have a folded blanket ALREADY under me to take with me as I rotated to the side, before rotating back forward. This way, it will prevent any unwanted, extreme openings as you move. That will likely need to be done on a slippery surface so that the blanket can move with you. A bolster is possibly even better--to increase height as you try this for the first time. And even chair versions of this can help prepare you for the ground. Just PLEASE don't be in a rush. Sounds like you are being super smart and doing your PT--so that's great. I just don't want to cause any issues in your new hip--or the old one, for that matter! :)

[@shubhra79]

Thank you for sharing this trick. I had left hip surgery and could not do the pigeon pose on my left side. After watching your video,for the first time in 5 years I am able to do the pigeon pose from my left side. Thank you,thank you so much.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Oh my goodness, this warms my heart! I'm so happy it worked for you. Please continue to be gentle as you explore that range of movement. :)

[@nazeeniranfar2616]

What a great idea 🤩 thank you for sharing 🙌

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Thanks for watching! Glad it helped!

[@gatn71]

Oh my that is an amazing way, i'm gonna try this out

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Let me know your thoughts!

[@tagdesignwebsites]

wow! thank you Lizzie. I love this.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

You are so very welcome! I'm glad it resonated!

[@christine1962ful]

I always get confused what the end goal of pigeon pose is. Should the femur on the bent leg be out straightforward in a 90 degree angle or with the knee pointing slightly to the side ? Should I be aiming the face of the front hip of the back leg to touch the ground?🤷🏿‍♀️🤔

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm copying and pasting an answer here from a similar question. And no--the back leg's upper hip will not be touching the floor in most cases. here's the other answer I gave: @Lizzie.Brooks 18 hours ago Happy to answer. First of all, your knee is "supposed" to go wherever it can to be safe for you while still getting a stretch. But to the side is more how you'll see the pose done in photos and tutorials. The reason for this is the external rotation and abduction from the midline. Because if mobility/flexibility limitations, sometimes the knee comes just in front of the hip and not to the side--but that isn't how I've ever seen it be referred to as "correct." Again--safety is the REAL indicator of what is "correct." We must change the pose for the body--not the body for the pose--I think Leslie Kaminoff first said this. Hope this helps!

[@MAVakil-gj9mv]

Million Thanks. You are very Sincere God Bless.... ❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

So nice of you! You are most welcome!

[@rajalakshmisuresh5685]

Awesome. Thanks for the wonderful tip.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

You bet!

[@Vajrayogini-pp1gr]

I just discovered you Liz! Wowww your detailed instruction is SO redeeming. It's so so so gooood to have someone like you while resuming practise after a series of failures. ❤

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Wow, HOW KIND! I am so glad this is helpful and so sorry you have had a series of set-backs. I wouldn't call them failures--just steps to learning and growing and finding the right path forward! :)

[@KUBE.archvis]

Very Clever trick! Thanks.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Oh, great! I love when these things resonate! :)

[@stuff1784]

Pigeon pose is AGONY for me. Thank you.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I really hope this helps! We don't want you in agony! 😭

[@stuff1784]

@@Lizzie.Brooks I just tried your methods and THANK YOU!!!! I FINALLY feel like the sides of my glutes were ACTUALLY stretched, not just strained like usual!!!! I was able to sink deeper for the first time!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

@@stuff1784 I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!! Thanks for trying this!

[@tomoegozen1841]

I finally understood how to get into pigeon pose! Thank you so much!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm so glad this helped! ☀️☀️☀️

[@decamp74]

Thank you!! I have never been able to do this pose without pain!

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

You're so welcome! I never want people to do poses that cause pain--that defeats the purpose of the pose. I'm thrilled this made sense to your body! 🤩🤩🤩

[@afzaalkhan2010]

Simple and clear demonstration,🙂 Wise advice about listening to one's body. Thank you🙂

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brittanyjohnson3672]

This is amazing. I couldn’t even get in the pose before this. I’m so thankful.

[@Lizzie.Brooks]

I'm over the moon to hear this!!!