Lester S. Lee

The Active Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch

The kneeling hip flexor stretch is one of the most effective ways to relieve tight hips. Your hip flexors can be defined as a group of muscles that work together to help you perform certain movements like walking and running.

Tight hip flexors is something that can affect anybody. Even people who are in great shape can develop hip flexor tightness and pain. However, people who are in a seated position for most of the day are the ones often affected by this common issue. The kneeling stretch is a great way to get rid of hip flexor tightness and pain because it works the major muscles in the hip flexor.

Symptoms of Tight Hip Flexors

According to Hip Flexors Info, there are various symptoms of tight hip flexors. Some of these symptoms include poor athletic performances, unnatural gait or stride and of-course a great deal of pain felt in various areas of your body like the gluteals (buttocks). Piriformis syndrome and also low back injuries and hamstring are common symptoms of tight hip flexors as well.

To prevent these symptoms, it's a good idea to perform the following stretch as much as you can on a daily basis. This may be utilized as a dynamic warm up or maybe cool down for just about anyone who would like to get relief from pain and discomfort due to hip flexor tightness.

Preparation:

Before you start this stretch you'll need to prepare yourself first. To do this go down on one knee. Now with the knee that's raised off the ground make sure it's bend at a ninety degree angle. As long as this knee bent at a ninety degree angle is out in front of you then you are good to go.

While in this position contract your midsection and then begin to rotate your hip area. While you're rotating your hip around make sure your leg stays in the ninety degree angle.

Movement:

To start this kneeling stretch you want to start out by going down into a kneeling position. Now keep your arms elevated above your head and contract your glutes. As you do this start to rotate your pelvis around a little until you feel a stretching sensation in this area.

Now take your time and move your upper body forward until you feel your hip area being stretched. As you are doing these movements make sure you're keeping both your glutes and pelvis contracted.

Hold this stretching position for at least 10 seconds before releasing and going back to the starting position. Repeat this hip flexor stretch by switching to your opposite leg. For the best results we recommend doing this simple yet effective stretch a few times for about 4 weeks.

Notes
* Try breathing gradually throughout entire stretch. Don't hold the breath pf yours.
* Keep glutes (buttocks) squashed during whole stretch. This helps enhance neuromuscular link between the hip flexors as well as hip extensors and can help attain a deeper and more efficient stretch.
* This exercise could be done while standing.
* Stop immediately in case you feel discomfort or pain at any time.
* As with any physical exercise program, make certain you're cleared by a doctor before beginning this physical exercise.



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