Hip Flexor Stretch

The hip flexors are responsible for moving your hips, so they are very important to any athletic movement including running and jumping.  Many people have tight hip flexors because of sitting too much.  When we sit, the hip flexors shorten and tighten.  Tight hip flexors can often times be the underlying cause of back pain.  The psoas muscle attaches to the femur and the lower spine so if it is tight, it can cause anterior (forward) rotation of the pelvis which can cause lower back pain.   In my opinion, the hip flexor stretch is one of the most important stretches someone can do.

The Hip Flexor Stretch.

1.  Start by getting down on one knee, with front foot flat, back foot up on the toes, and upright posture.
2.  Rotate the hips in a posterior direction.  Another way to think of this is tucking your tailbone underneath you - the opposite of sticking your bum out.
3.  Hold your hips steady in this position while moving your hips forward (without rotating).
4.  You should feel a stretch across the front of your hip.

See video below: