If you’re like most people, hip-opening poses are some of the most exquisitely painful – in a good way – moments in a yoga class. Given the tensions that we hold in our hips and pelvis, dedicating some time to soften, stretch and release our muscles and joints can have a renewing effect. If I had to pick one asana to be my go-to hip opener, it would be Pigeon Pose or Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (Eka: one, Pada: leg or foot, Kapota: dove or pigeon, Rajakapota: the king of pigeons).