Why do my quads scream during boat pose?

Answered by April Martucci, RYT, LMT, head of Mind/Body programming for Reebok Sports Club/NY.

Why do my quads scream during Boat pose? -Laura
 
It's because you are tight in the quads and a hip flexor called the illiopsoas muscle. This combination is common, especially if you are a runner or if you sit, walk, or stand a lot.  The quads and psoas are weight-bearing muscles so we are often bound up in those areas. Try a basic quad stretch like a runner does -- standing on one leg pulling the other heel to the buttock, knee down, pelvis in neutral--this will help free up those tight quads and hips. Also, by doing the Boat pose more, you will notice you become more open there. BREATHE!

April Martucci, RYT, LMT, has been called the ‘most in demand yoga instructor’ by New York Magazine. Martucci teaches at Exhale (New York) and Reebok Sports Club/NY.

---