In this post, we go over one of the most important stretches, the hip flexor stretch. Check out the video on some key areas to focus on to get a more effective hip flexor stretch. As well, below are some key points to ensure you are doing the stretch correctly. As always, feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Enjoy.
There is a difference between a quadriceps stretch and a hip flexor stretch. Way too often we jump right to performing a hip flexor stretch while flexing the knee. This incorporates one of the quad/thigh muscles that also crosses the hip joint and the psoas (our hip flexor). However, if the quads and hip flexors are too tight it makes it hard to perform this stretch and therefore is commonly performed incorrectly. What happens is people will compensate, usually keeping their pelvis in an anterior tilted position and hyperextending their low back.
Stay tall andMake sure you incorporate a posterior pelvic tilt. Resist the urge to lean into the stretch and extend your hip. Rather contract your abdominals and your glutes/bum muscles to perform a posterior pelvic tilt. This will give your the hip flexor stretch we are looking for. Many people won’t need to lean, they will feel it immediately in the front of their hip.
Guide your hips with your hands. I usually start this stretch with your hands on your hips so I can teach you to feel posterior pelvic tilt. Placing your fingers in the front and thumbs in the back will cue you into posterior tilt and make your thumbs move down.
