How to Do a Hip Flexor Stretch

Learn Piano FREE only 1 more day! http://bit.ly/ysjhVA
In this video, Mahalo fitness expert Heather Lawrence shows you how to do a hip flexor stretch.

Muscles Stretched
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Hip flexors are a major muscle group located near the hip and upper thigh area. The hip flexor muscles allow you to pull your leg up, toward your abdomen. These muscles can easily become tight - possibly putting a strain on the lower back as they pull the pelvis forward—but there are ways to loosen them up.c

Step 1: Be Proactive
---------------------------------------------------------------------

One reason some people may have tight hip flexors is from sitting all day. To prevent tightness, get up and stretch - often. Stretching the hip flexors can help keep the muscle group from tightening up.c If your hip flexors become too tight, you may risk injury. Try to stretch your hip flexors before and after any vigorous activity.

Step 2: Stretching Hip Flexors
---------------------------------------------------------------------

One basic stretch for hip flexors involves a simple kneeling exercise. Kneel on your right knee, placing the opposite foot out in front of you. Use your hands and arms to support yourself - place your left arm on your left thigh and your right arm on your hip. If you are not performing this stretch on an exercise mat, consider placing a towel under your knee for padding.
c

Keeping your back straight, slowly lean forward towards the floor. You will want to shift your weight gradually to your left leg. Continue leaning as you feel a stretch in the right hip flexor area. Once you feel that stretch, hold your position for approximately 30 seconds. Repeat on the opposite side.
c

Step 3: Tips for Stretching
---------------------------------------------------------------------

* If you find you have tight hip flexors on a regular basis, you may want to step up your stretching routine. Perform the above hip flexor stretch several times per day, if necessary.
* If possible, try to get in some light
exercise before you stretch, to warm up your muscles.c* Don't overdo it: if you haven't stretched the hip flexor muscle group before, or if the muscles in that area are particularly tight, you might cause injury. Do the stretching exercise slowly - if you feel
pain, stop.c* As you perform the hip flexor stretch more regularly, you may notice increased
flexibility. This increased range of motion can help to prevent muscle strain in the future.c* Perform all stretching exercises slowly to avoid muscle strain.
* Use a towel for padding under the knees for comfort while performing a hip flexor stretch.
* If you feel pain during the stretch you have stretched too far. Stop immediately.

Read more by visiting our page at:
http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-do-a-hip-flexor-stretch/

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• hip flexor stretch
• stretching
• how to get into shape
• mahalo.com
• muscles

[Optimus3015]

This is not a hip flexor stretch.