5 Stretches for Healthy Hips

By Nancy Howard, forSparkPeople

If you are like me, you spend a large portion of your day sitting. And because of this, it isn't too uncommon for many of us to have tight hip
flexors-the muscles responsible for flexing the hip or drawing the knees to your chest, as well as moving your legs front to back and side to side.

Your hip flexors are not a single muscle, but are actually a group of muscles which are comprised of the iliopsoas, the thigh muscles including the rectus femoris and sartorius, as well as the tensor fasciae latae, the inner thigh muscles including the adductor longus and brevis and finally the pectineus and gracilis.

Tight hip flexors are a common complaint amongst runners, too, due to the small, repetitive movement when running which can bring on injury if the muscles remain tight. If you suffer from tight hip flexors this may lead not only to hip pain, but lower back pain as well. Therefore, by doing stretches and exercisesto help release the tension of the muscles, you may be able to prevent an injury from developing.

Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch

Front to Back Hip Swing

Hip Flexor Stretch

Standing Hip Flexor

Supine Hip Flexor Stretch

Have you suffered from tight hip flexors? If so, what is your favorite exercise or stretch? Would you consider adding any of these moves into your fitness routine?

Related links:
4 Reasons to Stop Stretching Before You Exercise
5 Reasons I've Never Had a Running Injury
Smart Exercise Modifications for Knee Pain


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