Any regular readers here are probably aware that I have had some issues with tight hips over the past few years. Those hips really don’t lie. Having tight ones often comes along with running and it takes work to keep them happy. I had seen a few ads pop up on Instagram and Facebook for YOGABODY and became intrigued with the 21-day hip opening challenge. I received access to the challenge in exchange for an honest review.
YOGABODY 21 Day HIp Opening Challenge
The YOGABODY challenge is led by Lucas, a very flexible and likable yogi. This is a paid challenge that gives you access to the library of 21 day classes. Once you purchase the challenge, you have access to it forever to repeat if you wish.
Format of the classes
YB classes are structured, organized, and easy to follow. Lucas, the instructor, is very encouraging while being clear and concise in his instruction. The recurring themes he stresses are flexion, extension, and time under tension. Each class is about 15 minutes and will highlight 2 or 3 yoga poses. That’s right only 2 or 3 poses in 15 minutes.
Lucas’ approach has his students holding each pose for about 3-5 minutes. Yes, you read that right. At first, 3 minutes feels like an eternity to hold a pose. He helps you learn to breathe through the uncomfortable sensations you may feel at first and let yourself relax into the pose. After a few days, it gets a lot easier.
What I liked about YB
-15 minutes a day of yoga is doable
-Instructions are demos are easy to follow
–Classes are for all levels of yogis (no previous experience needed)
-I learned great variations of poses
-I realized the benefits of holding poses for 3-5 minutes
-Once you purchase the program, you have access to the classes for as long as you wish. You can repeat days that you particularly enjoyed or do the whole program over and over.
-There is a PDF of yoga poses you can download
What props do you need?
Most of the days need no props at all. Sometimes, Lucas will have you use a chair for example. A set of yoga blocks and a yoga strap are helpful to have.
If you want a sneak peek into Lucas’ format and demeanor, he also had a great Youtube channel with some mini lessons as well as a challenge on healthy back exercises.
Overall thoughts
This YOGABODY challenge came at the perfect time for me as I was experiencing some hip pain. Learning how to hold poses longer and stay consistent with hip stretching, was a tremendous help to me. This course was a great addition to my stretching, strength, and mobility routine. Happy hips, happy runner. Want to know more? Check out the 21 day challenge here.
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
Oh, this is great, Deborah! I love that you are always discovering and trying out new things.
Adding yoga to a runner’s routine makes sense.
I don’t do enough yoga – something I definitely need to think about.
I don’t do enough either and 15 min is doable and can be very beneficial
That sounds like so long to hold a stretch! I think it would be mentally challenging for me to stay in one position for so long. So glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful!
It is very mentally challenging! The first few days I struggled with the holds and then it got much easier
This sounds great! I’ve done Yin Yoga and as hard as it is to hold those poses for so long, once the body melts into them, it’s magical! Off to check out the video you shared–my SIJ is acting up!
Oh good, let me know what you think. It is hard to hold the poses for so long, but as you said, once you let your body relax into them it feels good
Glad it worked for you.
I should probably get back to yoga at some point.
Just a few minutes a day can make a big difference
The timing of this Challenge was totally on-point! So many of us have been dealing with this (or very similar) issues recently. 15 minutes of daily yoga definitely sounds doable, and so worthwhile!
Agreed! 15 minutes is doable and can be very helpful
This sounds really good. I remember (years ago) when I used to take yoga classes in person, the instructor always had us do pigeon pose for at least two minutes- she said it takes a long time to open up that part of your body. I’m going to check this out.
I actually thought of you when I was doing it. Yes, once you can get past the uncomfortable feeling of holding the pose, your body opens up to it
This is exactly the way I teach. Well, I don’t know exactly, since I haven’t done Lucas’ classes and some of your photos show me this isn’t actually Yin — but that is one of the points of Yin, holding poses for a longer amount of time.
Glad you enjoyed it!
It sure took some getting used to as I was not comfortable at first. It was a nice change up
I think the best part about this for me is that it just takes 15 minutes. That makes it easier to be consistent and gain those benefits. Thanks for sharing, Deborah and as I’m writing this on your birthday, Happy Birthday! Hope you’ve had a great day!
yes, being only 15 minutes is a doable amount of time. And, thanks for the birthday wishes
Sounds like a great challenge! I’m intrigued by the idea of holding poses for longer periods of time. So glad it worked for you!
It is fun and different and I am glad that I tried it