Hips Don’t Lie: How Hip Openers Release Old Emotions

Posted on September 1st, 2023

Love 'em or hate 'em, hip openers are soooo good for you, physically, mentally and energetically. But what exactly do they do?

From the literal definition of 'opening up' your hips to a more metaphorical sense of releasing pent-up emotions, these exercises have become increasingly popular in recent years.

So why should you give them a try? Let's dive into five ways that hip openers can benefit both body and mind:

1. Relieve Lower Back Pain

If you're experiencing persistent lower back pain or stiffness, it may be due to tight hips muscles (yes, we have those!). When our glutes, piriformis, and iliacus muscles become compacted from sitting for extended periods or intense physical activity, it can lead to an imbalanced pelvis alignment. This strain then radiates up through the entire spine causing discomfort in your lower back.

By incorporating hip flexor stretches into your routine like lying leg lifts or wall squats with a focus on slow controlled movements will help lengthen out these tight areas while also strengthening surrounding core muscles which support proper posture!

2. Improve Flexibility and Mobility

Tight hips can make even simple tasks feel like an uphill battle, literally! Hip openers stretch the gluteal muscles, iliacus muscle (also known as iliopsoas), pectineus muscle, piriforms nerve roots in your lower back that run along with them. This increased range of motion improves flexibility overall by allowing more fluid movement through all planes – front-to-backside rotation among other things.

3. Boost Energy and Endorphins

When we're feeling stuck or weighed down both physically & emotionally it can be hard to muster up the motivation to do anything let alone exercise! However, hip openers are an excellent way around this common roadblock because they stimulate production of feel-good chemicals called endorphins which naturally lift our moods. Plus engaging in physical activity releases tension that builds up inside us over time.

4. Enhance Posture and Balance

Poor posture is often a signifier for imbalances elsewhere within the body, including tight hips! When your pelvis tilts forward due to weak glutes or hamstrings pulling everything else out of alignment (literally), it puts strain on your lower back muscles which can lead to chronic pain. Regular practice will engage core stabilizers like abs and obliques that support good posture while also improving overall balance.

5. Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Stressors come in many forms - from work pressure to personal relationships, we all face challenges at some point or another! But did you know that engaging in physical activity can actually help alleviate symptoms of anxiety & depression? The release of endorphins mentioned earlier has a direct correlation with reduced stress levels.

So there you have it – five compelling reasons why incorporating hip openers into your daily routine will do wonders for both body and mind!

References:

1. 'Hips Don’t Lie' - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2. Shakira - Oral Fixation, Vol. 3 (2006)

Youtube hips don t lie