Forever looking for help and relief from my tight hips, I embarked on a new challenge. One of my local yoga studios offered a Yoga For Hips series just when I needed it most. I am a runner and I did the 15-minute yoga every day for 2 weeks. Here’s what happened.
Yoga every day for 2 weeks-here’s what happened
My friends over at Sytera yoga have been offering a few series during the past few months. Usually, I am not ready to commit to yoga on a regular basis. However, when I saw a yoga for hips series it was a sign that this was the time. Classes were offered everyday at 7:45 am and then available on demand. I opted for the on demand because 7:45 yoga is not me. The short 15 minute class appealed to me and seemed doable. Here’s how it went.
Days 1 & 2
I chose to do my practice after my cycling or running and strength training daily. The first 2 days I had a lot of “is she kidding me”? My body cannot do these poses. Since it was just me and my yoga mat, I really did not care how I looked. I did my best and continued on. My Cobbler’s pose was more like a “Hobbler’s pose”.
Days 3 -5
This is starting to feel a little better. I started to become a lot more aware of my posture after class. Am I sleeping better? My butt even felt like it got a workout. Still having trouble with the yogi squat. I can do it but it is not comfortable.
Days 6-7
I realized when I got into my yogi squat today that it felt much more natural. I could comfortably hold without hoping it would end.
Days 8-10
I started to really look forward to my 15 min of yoga and took advantage of the extra stretch time. I am becoming more aware of how my hip flexibility or lack thereof can affect other activities that I do.
Days 11-13
Homestretch of the challenge. I am noticing feeling a lot more flexibility in my hips and lower back. Positions are no longer uncomfortable to hold. I still have some trouble with twisting and holding those poses.
Days 14-15
Sitting cross-legged is now much more comfortable. I realized that getting into my yogi squat was no longer causing me to wince.
Final thoughts:
Paying attention to and giving my hips some love makes a huge difference for me. My flexibility and mobility were greatly improved with just 15 minutes a day of work for 15 days. I wonder how I would feel if I continued this for a few more weeks? Runners’ bodies are not made and kept up on running alone. Yoga is obviously a discipline that my body responds well to. My biggest challenge now is how to keep this yoga every day up!
Update:
I have kept up with my yoga practice doing short classes a few times a week. I am continuing to notice huge improvements in my flexibility and mobility.
[I practiced with Sytera Yoga in McLean, Virginia. Since everything is virtual. if you are interested in the program that I did, find info on the studio here]
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Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Laura, Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
This is really good information, Deborah!
Amazing what only two weeks of yoga can do. I don’t think I could do a yogi squat right now, either.
I checked out the link. Did you buy the one month unlimited pass?
I got a lot out of it. I may do it again. If you are interested, please email the studio bc it is a set price for the 2 week program. Very reasonable. Just tell her you a friend of mine.It is less than the monthly fee
Thanks, I just did!
Great job! Yoga can feel really good but I am not consistent with it. i’ve learned that I need to prioritize strength over flexibility so yoga usually doesn’t happen. So glad you saw such great results from this!
So that is usually what I do as well. However, I have no excuse not to do both right now
That’s awesome you saw noticeable results from two weeks! My doctor recommended yoga for anxiety. I am trying to get into the habit of doing it at least a couple times per week.
Hey definitely cannot hurt to try it!
After my half marathon last weekend, I did some yoga for hips and hamstrings and felt better. It was a good reminder that I need to get back to it. Glad it helped you!
I feel so much better all around when I keep up with my yoga
Oh, this is really interesting. I need to get into this. I haven’t done any yoga for SIX MONTHS and I need to get my hips and back more flexible again.
I honestly feel so much better all around when I have yoga in my life
You’ve inspired me! I such am all or nothing type that I end up doing nothing because an hour or more a day is too much of a commitment. Buy I can manage 15 minutes (and finally put my yoga download.com membership to some use)!
That’s how I am too! 15 min is totally doable and I am going to do do her next challenge in a few weeks
I’m like you when I first do yoga “are they kidding with this pose” ha. Even with stretching daily my body needs some more routine yoga for those deep stretches.
I know and then all of the sudden, I can do them!
This is a great way to get back in the routine of self care (which yoga is such a great means to do so). I tried doing 5 daily sun salutations awhile ago, and that was great for my back (in the morning) and a great pre-bedtime relaxation (in the evening). I’m gonna check this out for my hips, thnx for sharing!!
she is actually having another challenge starting soon let me know if you want the info
This sounds like a really great program and I love that the classes were only 15 minutes a day. I could definitely use something like this because my hips are always so tight 🙁
mine are so tight! I can commit to 15 min and I liked seeing progress over the 14 days
I actually (for the first time) did a 7-day yoga workshop last week. I’ve always admired people who did yoga but never really thought it was for me. But the workshop (held via zoom every evening) was such an eye opener for me. The major focus was on breathing but they also introduced a few new yoga stretches each day. I was surprised at how I enjoyed and needed them. Really glad you also saw the value – hips are a problem area for me to so I think I’d greatly benefit from the one you did.
I agree! I always feel so much better when I have yoga in my life
Just wait til my post on Friday, LOL!
So happy that this challenge worked out so well for you. And yes, you should keep up some Yoga at least a few days a week! That’s why they call it a practice. 🙂
I think some of the mental blocks people have about Yoga is they think if they don’t break a sweat (although you certainly can with Yoga), you’re not really getting any benefit. That whole no pain/no gain mentality. I think it’s sad, because so many people are just grinding themselves down. Sorry, I’ll get off my soap box now. 🙂
I think you are right yes I have certainly thought those same things. Also, if something feels like a chore, I don’t want to do it. Third, I like the short time commitment. Looking forward to reading your post too
I love that these classes were just 15 mins/day. So glad you found this helpful! I need to be more consistent with my yoga.
I really liked them and I already signed up for her next 2 week hip challenge. 15 min is doable for me!
Thanks for getting me to do it too! I did the live sessions for the first week and really enjoyed that option too. I definitely felt a difference too!
I know such a small amount of time and it really helps! Already signed up for the next one
Great post! I’ve been looking up stretches to do for my hip flexors to try and prevent shin splints/pain on runs/walks, so maybe I should give yoga a try? I’ve always heard of people seeing incredible results in their flexibility etc. from yoga, but I get bored so quickly when trying it out. You’ve definitely inspired me to give it a try again though!
If I can do it you can too! My class was just 15 min a day. She is doing another challenge starting soon if you are interested let me know and I will hook you up
That’s great to hear that it helped; although I’m not at all surprised. I’ve gotten away from yoga since my injury and I need to get back to it. Thanks for the inspiration!
I had slipped away from it as well and I need to change that
Hmmmm. My right hip is much stronger, but also much tighter. I have avoided yoga because of my ankle, but maybe I should start again. Seeing how much flexibility you gained in a short time makes it worth consideration.
I think this typed of yoga would be totally find for your ankle. She is starting a new challenge in about a week. if you are interested let me know I will give you the info
This is great news! Amazing what only 15 minutes will do . I know the benefits of yoga but unfortunately don’t do any because of time. I know I have time but don’t make time for it. 🙁
I always think I don’t have time either but I am always glad when I do it
This is so helpful, thank you for sharing! My hips are always tight and I’m thinking I need to try this.
Try it! The studio is offering another 2 week challenge starting on the 28th if you are interested let me know and I will pass along theinfo
This is such a cool idea! I’ve been having some hip pain and might try this too. Do they keep the class online after it’s over?
Yes they do. I will send you the info via messenger
I didn’t do this formal challenge, but thanks to local friend who teaches I’ve been incorporating some hip-focused yoga into recent prehab and it’s such a difference maker. Amazing how something so small can do so much good. We did the yogi squat on PT intake and graduation and it was amazing to see how much progress I made even though we weren’t focusing on in it directly.
I was amazed how much better my hips and body felt after just 15 min a day. My real challenge is how to keep it up
Same. Not feeling much pain after almost falling (caught my shoe on broken sidewalk) was a big motivator though