Alright, so I'd like to present you with another one of my favourite hip flexor stretch. I find this one super effective, shows me how tight my hips really are, and really helps me stretch it out.
This is basically a variation of the lunge where you'll get an awesome stretch down the front of your leg.
How to:
1. Start in a kneeling position with one leg in front of you with your thigh parallel to the ground and your knee and ankle aligned.
2. Have your other leg stretch out behind you with your knee bent and on the ground.
3. Roll your shoulders down and shoulder blades back with your hands on your hips.
4. Finally tuck your butt under and push your torso forward.
You will feel the stretch down the flexor of your leg which is along the ground. Hold for 30-45 seconds and repeat on the other side!
Hey guys,
I wanted to apologize for not starting all this hip stuff sooner...October has been a crazy month and I will definitely be continuing this into November! Another reason it's taken so long is that I really want to demonstrate certain moves that Google hasn't satisfactorily found for me. Expect those later!
So the first really great and super easy stretch is simply the bridge...
How to: lie on the floor with your feet hip width apart and knees bent. Place your hands by your sides, or alternatively, under your back in a fist, with your shoulder blades rolling inwards. Raise your hips until you feel a comfortable stretch (generally when you create a flat plane from your core to knees). Hold for 30 seconds, and repeat until you feel like you've had a satisfactory stretch!
A plus: this move helps tone your glutes while stretching out your hip flexors.
Happy stretching!
- Kirren
Hey guys!
So do any of my lovely readers have tight hip flexors like me? Sitting for even an hour cause you AGONY? Constantly trying to stretch out your hips? Your pain is normally down the front of your hips NOT the side?
If you answered yes to any of these a) I feel your pain, and b) I am going to address this issue and hopefully come up with a permanent solution.
I know I experience this partly due to running- a constant forward motion activity easily puts strain on your flexors. This pain sometimes goes hand in hand with IT band pain, which you can feel down the outside of your knees and lower back.
It is absolutely essential to warm up and do dynamic stretches before you workout. Afterwards it is super important you stretch it out to minimize pain.
While stretching can help reduce this pain, why wouldn't we try and avoid it in the first place?! You can get away from constant pain by strengthening your flexors, and this is my long-term goal.
Stay posted for different stretches and exercises I'll be bringing to you this month to help your hips!
Happy October Readers
