Hip-width is one of your 5 essential measurements in yoga.
It's necessary to know this measurement in poses where legs are placed in parallel as well as extended lengthwise. Placing your feet and knees properly is important for both stability and hip joint safety.
Parallel-leg Poses
The Gurugrid’s lines and numbers make it easy to plot these two points and return them each time you perform the poses.
Examples
Uttkatasana, Forward Fold, Camel, Table Top, Cat/Cow, Wheel, Downward Dog, Plank, Reverse Plank, Reverse Table Top, Chaturanga, Hero (slightly wider than hip-width)
Extended-leg Poses
Hip-width is also important for poses where the legs are extended length-wise. Often these poses are performed by placing the legs in a straight line, but the proper position is to align them with their respective hips.
Examples
Hamumansana (splits), Pigeon, Lunge, Lizard, Revolved Awkward, Mermaid
How to Find Your Hip-width
Finding your hip-width is easier than finding your shoulder-width. Simply put your two hands together in fists and place them between your feet. Plot this distance for both parallel leg poses and extended leg poses.
Not only does this measurement help you place your feet and knees properly, but it can also help you to adjust your pose to suit your body and its abilities and limitations.
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