Tight Hips ???

The seated hip stretch is a perfect exercise to perform when you want to increase energy and relieve stiffness from the hip and lower back. When this central area of our body is well balanced and flexible, we can participate in activities of daily living with greater ease. Many muscles attach to the hip joint and if some of them are tight, the others must work extra hard, resulting in limited range of motion and fatigue.

It is important to strengthen and stretch all the muscles surrounding the hip equally and the seated hip stretch is a great place to start. Remember to breathe while performing the stretch.

The following tips will help you to get the most out of the seated hip stretch:

🔹If you cannot sit tall with your legs straight, sit on a cushion to elevate the hips.

🔹Pull upwards from the floor to lengthen the spine.

🔹Keep the chest open and lifted.

🔹Draw the shoulder blades gently down towards your waist.

🔹Cross one leg over the other and plant that foot flat on the ground.

🔹If you cannot cross the leg over comfortably, then simply place it flat on the ground beside the knee.

🔹Use the opposite arm, to pull your knee toward your chest.

🔹Pull your chest toward your knee to keep your back straight. Think of lifting up and gently around like aspiral staircase.

🔹Don’t let the opposite shoulder round forward.

🔹Turn toward the bent leg mindfully, beginning with the lower back, then the ribs and finally the shoulders – only rotating until you feel the stretch. Hood and breath. Continue to lift up and gently around.

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