Lizard Pose has always been a challenging pose for me. It’s one of those surf yoga poses that hurts so good. I dread it, but once I’m done, I’m happy I spent the time in the stretch. It’s well worth the effort and if it helps my surfing, then I’m all in.
Lizard Pose targets the hips, groin, and thighs. To perform this pose, begin in a low lunge position with one foot forward (at a 45 degree angle) and the hands planted on the ground inside the front foot. Gradually lower the forearms to the ground and sink the hips deeper into the stretch, feeling a release in the hip flexors and groin. If you are tight like me, you can use a block or two to prop up your forearms so you can settle into this surf stretch. This pose helps improve hip flexibility, opens up the hips, stretches the hip flexors, and strengthens the legs and core.
How Lizard Pose Enhances Surfing Performance:
Hip Flexibility
Surfing requires a significant range of motion in the hips, especially when paddling out, popping up, and maneuvering. Lizard Pose helps increase hip flexibility, allowing surfers to move more freely and efficiently.
Core Strength
Maintaining balance and stability on a surfboard demands strong core muscles. Lizard Pose engages the core muscles, particularly the abdominals and obliques, helping surfers stabilize their bodies.
Leg Strength
The strength and endurance of the legs are vital for generating power and control while surfing. Holding Lizard Pose strengthens the muscles of the thighs, hamstrings, and calves, contributing to better control and maneuverability on the surfboard.
Mental Focus and Relaxation
Lizard Pose, like many yoga poses, encourages deep breathing and mindfulness, helping surfers stay focused, calm, and present both in and out of the water.
Incorporating Lizard Pose into Surf Yoga Sessions: Surfers can incorporate Lizard Pose into their yoga routine in several ways:
- Warm-up: Begin surf yoga sessions with a few rounds of Sun Salutations to warm up the body, followed by Lizard Pose to prepare the hips and legs for surfing movements.
- Cool-down: End surfing sessions with a series of yoga poses, including Lizard Pose, to stretch and relax the muscles, promoting faster recovery and preventing injuries.
- Pre-surf Stretch: Before hitting the waves, spend a few minutes in Lizard Pose to loosen up tight muscles and improve mobility, enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injuries