Need a quick release for tight hips? Try this:
Standing Hip Flexor Stretch + Side Bend
This standing high lunge stretch targets the hip flexors on the back leg. Adding a gentle side bend can increase the sensation through the hip flexors while also lengthening the side body.
Key Body Areas:
Hips
Quads
Upper Back
Abdominals
How to Do Standing Hip Flexor Stretch + Side Bend:
- Stand tall. Step your left foot back with right foot forward.
- Square hips forward and stay upright. Hold a wall if needed.
- Gently tuck pelvis (posterior tilt) and squeeze the left glute.
- Release your hips forward and down, bending through the right knee until you feel a stretch in the front of the left hip. Avoid low-back arching.
- Hold 30 seconds.
- Switch sides.
Modifications for Standing Hip Flexor Stretch + Side Bend:
- decreaseShorten stance and keep the range small while maintaining the pelvic tuck and glute squeeze.
- increaseReach overhead and add a small side bend away from the back leg if it stays comfortable (i.e. bend to the right if the left leg is in back).
- increaseRelease the hips further forward and down.
Type: passive StretchDifficulty: beginnerPosition: standingMuscles Stretched:Hip Flexors • Quadriceps • Intercostals • Obliques
