Customer Reviews

Yoga Link: Hip Helpers with Jill Miller

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is the best yoga DVD I have found so far for hip pain. The instructor is really the expert in this field. The exercise targets hip pain from every angle possible. There are many poses I've never seen in other Yoga sessions. It is quite creative and thorough. The practice is about 50 minutes long. The instruction is very clear and the edit for the video is clean. I felt the good effects the first time I tried it even I did not finish the whole practice.

I practice Martial Arts and I had a hip tendon that was always inflamed and the pain would prevent me standing straight up after sitting for brief periods of time. The techniques on this dvd were easy to follow/to do and after a few weeks, I noticed the pain was almost gone. Now, not only am I pain free, I know how to avoid it in the future and my flexibility improved! Jill Miller's work is revolutionary and applies to everyone. If you want healthy joints and muscles, you need this dvd!!

I read all of the reviews before buying this DVD, and I'd like to address the one 1 star review as well as add other comments that may help those of you who are ready to really work to improve your hip flexibility and/or reduce pain. Although I love this DVD, I can relate to what the 1 star reviewer said. "Hip Helpers" is not really a yoga routine, and Jill Miller alludes to that. She mentions that these exercises will make your yoga sessions better, although I think the Hip Helpers routine is great all on its own.

The 1 star reviewer also mentioned that this DVD feels much like physical therapy. I agree somewhat, although I think the format and setting are much nicer than any PT I've done. To me, it feels more like yoga but without the focus on breath (which is a huge part of any true yoga practice).

Another reviewer commented that the practice gets grueling in the abductor series. I agree, but that's because I have weak abductors and desperately need to strengthen them to loosen up my adductors! I would bet that a person with flexible, supple hips can do those exercises with ease.

Anyone looking to really loosen up his/her hips needs to understand the principles of agonist and antagonist muscles. It's actually easy to understand in spite of the fancy names (and you can learn much more by searching the web using those keywords). The principle is similar to the "equal but opposite force" idea from Newton's Third Law of Motion. The large muscles that are part of the pelvic girdle are categorized into groups based on their functions (flexing or extending the hip, adducting or abducting the legs, etc.) As an example, when the hip abductors are weak, other muscles in the hip will work much harder to compensate. That leads to chronic tightness and shortening in the compensating muscles, while the weak muscles stretch too much. This sets up a vicious cycle, and stretching the chronically tight muscles will only help slightly. The only thing that will really work is to figure out which muscles are weak and strenghthen those.

When your muscles are balanced (i.e. you have no weak agonist hip muscles and no overcompensating, tight antagonist muscles), you'll have supple hips and much greater range of motion as well as more power from your leg muscles. You'll also transfer 'load' (your body weight) from muscles onto your skeleton, where it belongs. Your bones are meant to bear your weight, not your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. By balancing your muscles, you can avoid a lot of chronic conditions as you age and you'll feel a lot better.

That's a long-winded explanation, but I thought it might help those of you like me who sit way too much and sleep in a semi-fetal position (both of which can cause tight hip flexors). People seem to think stretching is the answer to tight hips, but that's only a small part of the answer. The Hip Helpers DVD really does work if you do it regularly. Just don't expect overnight results. It took a long time for you to get tight hips, and our sedentary lifestyles keep adding to our hip muscle imbalances.

Of all the things I've tried, I think this DVD is the most effective single way to balance the hips and make them supple. I also like Jill's personable manner and the DVD's production values. The studio she's in is well lit and serene. You do have to use some props, but remember it's going to take some effort to get your hips realigned and in balance. BTW, anyone with tight hips should always use props in yoga anyway; you should be able to truly RELAX into the stretches without 'guarding' your muscles against overstretching. Tight-hipped yogis should sit on a folded blanket or other prop that lifts your hips above the level of your knees when you're sitting cross-legged. If you don't, your spine will be in the wrong position, and you'll get uncomfortable and fatigue quickly.

This DVD is part of the Yoga Link series originally offered by Pranamaya. The instructor for this series is Jill Miller, who had previously created her own self-produced video series called Yoga Tune Up. This series incorporates many aspects of Miller's prior work but adds excellent production values plus a variety of additional workout and DVD options. For starters, there are two main aspects to this DVD, the Hips Workshop, in which Miller uses live instruction to break down the individual moves in great detail, and the Hips Practice, where Miller presents the same exercises via voiceover for a more flowing experience. Also included is a 16-minute Breath Primer: this same segment appears on all three of the DVDs in the Yoga Link series, and it offers an opportunity to obtain detailed instruction on the types of pranayama, or yogic breathing, which Miller utilizes in these practices. Miller uses various props throughout this DVD, including a yoga mat, 2 blocks, a strap, a wall, and a chair/other ledge. There are also several segments in which she glides along her smooth wood floor on a blanket; if you have carpet instead of flooring at home, Miller suggests substituting a trash bag, but I found that this didn't work very well.

The Hip Workshop includes a 60-minute instructional session, 7 minutes of Hip "Extras," and 16 minutes of Advanced Asymmetrical Standing Poses. The workshop itself focuses on the six basic directions of movement for the hips (a brief primer on this precludes the workshop). The Workshop chapters are broken down into Hip Warm Ups, Flexion/Extension, Internal/External Rotation 1, Adduction/Abduction, and Internal/External Rotation 2. Starting immediately with the long Warm Ups sequence, Miller brings fire and heat to the muscles of the entire lower body with Monk Walks, or static lunges; additional warm-up moves offer variations on lunges and hip circles. The leg stretches which follow are performed lying on the floor, and then Miller leads the viewer through a pelvic series which includes a slow cycle of Kapalabhati breathing.

I found the Adduction/Abduction segment to be particularly challenging; this is where Miller uses a blanket to slide on the floor, likely making it very difficult for those practicing on carpet to complete this segment. Notwithstanding the potential practical problems, these movements are quite physically strenuous as well. The final sequence of Internal and External Rotation includes many types of rolling motions for the hips in both standing and lying positions; the blanket is used for sliding again during this series. The two chapters found in the Extras segment, "Sitting Seiza" and "Ankle Churning," focus on stretching mainly the ankles and toes in a seated position. As mentioned previously, the 58-minute Hips Helper practice offers all of the same exercises that are in the workshop, but here Miller is instructing via voiceover for a more flowing routine. Also, she sets aside time to rest in savasana at the end of the practice. The Advanced Asymmetrical Standing Poses, part of the Workshop section, can be performed after either the workshop or the practice. In this 16-minute series, Miller teaches some tricks for working on warrior 2, side flank pose, and reverse side flank, using the blocks and the wall to demonstrate how to go more deeply into these postures.

The main goal of these hip exercises is to mobilize the hips from every angle, and Miller certainly achieves this objective (your muscles will no doubt achingly bear witness to this fact). However, I have to admit that although I love Miller's teaching style and generally have enjoyed all of her DVDs, I did not particularly enjoy this one; rather, I found it to be quite grueling. Despite this, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Jill Miller's Yoga Link series in general and this DVD in particular to any experienced yoga practitioners; few other yoga teachers will challenge you to explore your body in such an intense yet accessible manner.

This set of 3 Yoga Link DVD's, Shoulder Shape-up, Core Integration and Hip Helpers is introduced, explained and demonstrated by Jill Miller, is an answer to any person wanting to progress their yoga practice. Whenever my practice seems a bit routine or dull, and in need of an injection of extra challenge and fun, then I put one of these three into the DVD player and observe, listen and learn. What I have learned from these three Yoga Link DVD's has inspired my own practice and those of my pupils. Jill explains the various exercises clearly and accessibly - she also has a great sense of humour. At whatever stage you are in your own yoga journey these three DVD's have lots for everyone to deepen and sharpen your awareness of asanas. Yoga Link: Hip Helpers with Jill Miller

Jill Miller's hip, shoulder, and Kneehab DVDs have been good resources for me, in terms of increasing ease and range of motion in those joints. She really knows musculoskeletal anatomy and function, and it shows in her work. Her DVDs are well-done, with clear instruction, nice production values, and a down-to-earth approach. There are some nice extras included here besides the actual workout, and the workshop gives some good pointers for going more deeply into some standing poses. This isn't a routine that I savor the way I do others, but it works and is worth it.

I initially gave this DVD a 5-star review, based on how well-done it is and how thoroughly it works the hips from different angles. After spending a few more months with the DVD, however, I've changed my review to 4 stars. Items 2 & 3 in my list below are why I changed my rating. I'm a huge Jill Miller fan, so for me to dock this a star is kind of a big deal for me.

Some considerations about this Hip Helpers DVD:

1. Despite the title which somewhat confuses things, this DVD is not a demonstration of various yoga asanas. It has a broad selection of hip openers (including some yoga-flavored ones) that help loosen tight hips, and, if desired, prepare one for better performance of asanas that benefit from ease in the hips. If you're looking for a DVD that is all or mostly yoga, this isn't it. If you want help with muscle imbalances and tightness in your hips, this DVD can help you pinpoint and work with those.

2. I have knee issues (PF compartment), and the runner's-lunge-type exercises, as well as the related hip flexor stretches with the front of the foot hanging off of the furniture edge, are out of the question for me. These are very effective stretches, no doubt, but they are unsafe for compromised knees like mine. I feel like they could be especially risky if someone isn't using a piece of very stable furniture that's the proper height for the stretch. Of course, each person is responsible for his/her own safety, but it's all too easy to get into the middle of one of these stretches and then belatedly realize that one's highly flexed knee is the victim of unfavorable forces, especially in those seconds when the knee is hanging and unsupported by the floor.

Though they may not pack as much punch, there are safer versions of these stretches to accommodate my type of problem. Because tight hips can have such a negative impact upon the knees, a well-rounded hip stretching program is important to counteract tight hips, but I believe the DVD would better serve people with knee problems if it came with strong warnings to people with damaged knees about potentially harmful knee movements and recommended modifications in the workshop portion of the DVD.

3. A few of the exercises require a smooth floor (on which to slide a blanket for working adductors, etc.). I mention this so you won't be unpleasantly surprised if you have carpet, like I do. I purchased this DVD before there were reviews mentioning this point. There are other exercise DVDs out there that require a smooth floor, and I've always appreciated it when the product description lists everything that will be needed to do the complete workout, including a smooth floor. The product description for this DVD did not include that info, and it should have. Additionally, the instructor could have suggested alternative movements for carpet-owners within the workshop section of the DVD. In another one of her DVDs, she suggests using garbage bags under a yoga blanket to provide a smooth, slick surface. When using that DVD, I tried this, but it was clumsy and didn't work well for me.

4. This routine is prop-dependent. I use a mat, block, strap, and, for those various movements in which I need to elevate one foot on a piece of furniture, I use two things: a folding chair placed against a wall, and for a higher prop, a bookcase. You could use other types of furniture or props, as long as they're stable.

5. I'd describe my yoga practice as lower-intermediate-level. Although I've had a home practice for several years now, I've always had very tight musculature, and increased flexibility comes very slowly to me. There are some of Miller's hip helpers that I can do in only a very limited way--e.g., where she abducts one leg 90 degrees from the other leg, I can go only a few degrees and inches. But that limited movement, done in a controlled and focused manner, challenges me and works muscles that need to be worked. I'm also balance-challenged, and she integrates a little balance work into some of the movements. Overall, I find her DVDs very challenging, but not intimidating. I've gotten some good ideas from this DVD on how to better work my tight hip muscles.

If you're a beginner, injured, or lacking in flexibility, don't be scared away from Jill's DVDs. She's a wonderful instructor. If you have knee problems, do exercise special care with this one, though. While she is unbelievably (to me) flexible, she seems to endeavor to make her routines accessible and possible for people like me, who haven't yet developed significant physical confidence and flexibility. If you're unsure about whether her work is a good fit for you, check out her website, as well as a sample clip on YouTube from this Hip Helpers DVD.

This is a wonderful, wonderful workout for absolutely anyone, but especially for those who are experiencing any tightness in the hip area or hamstrings. I thought my hamstrings in my left leg were hopelessly restricted until I started doing this workout. Although my left leg may never be as loose as my right, this DVD has helped tremendously. Yoga alone never did that. It has also improved my yoga practice. I am now an avid Jill Miller fan, and I hope to meet her one day and tell her how much I love her Yoga Link workouts. I bought all three, and I highly recommend them. I had searched for so long for stretching workouts before I knew about Yoga Link, only to be bored with standard routines that I ended up not doing. These are completely unique. Not only will you increase your flexibility, but you will also learn a lot about breathing, movement, and muscles.

I like yoga and am more flexible than average, but my hips tend to be tight which is why I bought this video. I expected it to be a great yoga routine full of helpful hip poses like pigeon and ankle-to-knee seat. It did not include either one of those basic hip-opening yoga asanas - in fact it didn't really feel like a yoga routine at all. It felt more like doing boring physical therapy. Also you need to have props to do this video, including two blocks, a ledge at about knee height, another ledge about waist height, a hardwood floor, a blanket, and possibly a strap unless you are very flexible in your hips already (in which case, why are you buying this video?). Aside from all this, the video is just dull. I was incredibly disappointed.

I am a marathon runner suffering from tight hips on long runs. This DVD was recommended by a yoga teacher friend, and the exercises/poses shown have been great for relieving my hip tightness and strain on 18+ mile runs. Well worth it.

Really great product. I lucked out with this one purchasing it based on just the reviews. I am a martial artist and have Trochantric Bursitis in both of my hips. This video along with a styrofoam roaller has done wonders to stretch all those muscles in my hips and my IT band.