5 Yoga Poses for Hikers

There's nothing more refreshing than spending time outdoors on long hikes. Here are five yoga poses hikers should practice to stay safe on their hikes and injury-free.  

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Hero's Pose

Hero's pose opens the tops of the ankles and shins. When you hike the tendency is to press onward and upward. The upward movement constantly flexes the ankle and stretches the Achilles and calves. To counteract the constant shortening of the top of the foot, sit in hero's pose for two to five minutes.

More: Pose of the Month: Hero's Pose

Standing Backbend

The same onward and upward posture that carries you up the hills and mountains tends to force a forward collapse of the torso. When not hiking, it's important to open the chest to maintain a proper posture. An open chest is critical to breathe deeply. Anyone who has ever hiked knows the magnitude of sustaining full constant deep breathing for effective climbing.

Pigeon

To climb and hike, you engage your glutes to the max. There's no better way to open the glutes than hanging out in pigeon pose for three to five minutes on each side.

MorePose of the Month: Pigeon Pose

Standing Forward Bend

Many athletes know it's important to keep the hamstrings flexible and strong. The more open the hamstrings are the less strain on your knees and the better your posture will be. When the hamstrings are tight, the pelvis is misaligned and therefore cause strain in the back. Use gravity to your advantage—hold a standing forward bend for several minutes. This will help open your hamstrings and help you improve legs and back strength.

MorePose of the Month: Standing Forward Bend

Revolving Triangle

It's important to keep the illiotibial bands, IT band, which run alongside the outside of your thigh open and flexible. The IT band helps protect your knees and gives you the best range of motion. Although the IT bands are hard to stretch, try revolving triangle. If balance is an issue lay on your back, grab you right big toe with your left hand. Or, put a strap around your right foot and hold both sides of the strap with your left hand. Extend the right leg and bring it across your body simulating a revolving triangle while on the ground.

Add these yoga moves to your fitness routine to help you hike stronger.

More: 7 Reasons You Should Practice Yoga 

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About the Author

Gwen Lawrence

Gwen Lawrence has been a practicing fitness professional since 1990. Her current practice includes private yoga training, class instruction and her sport-specific Power Yoga for Sports training program www.poweryogaforsports.com. Gwen is the yoga instructor for several New York Yankees baseball players, team yoga instructor for the New York Giants, New York Knicks, New York Red Bulls, and the Pace University baseball team; as well as many youth teams in a variety of sports. She is also the official spokesperson for AFRIN PureSea.
Gwen Lawrence has been a practicing fitness professional since 1990. Her current practice includes private yoga training, class instruction and her sport-specific Power Yoga for Sports training program www.poweryogaforsports.com. Gwen is the yoga instructor for several New York Yankees baseball players, team yoga instructor for the New York Giants, New York Knicks, New York Red Bulls, and the Pace University baseball team; as well as many youth teams in a variety of sports. She is also the official spokesperson for AFRIN PureSea.

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