Standing Hip Flexor Stretch with Reach

Split stance with a posterior pelvic tilt and an overhead reach. Lengthens the hip flexors while the glutes and abdominals work, addressing the lower cross pattern seen in seated workers.

DIFFICULTY
Beginner
EQUIPMENT
Bodyweight
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Psoas & Iliacus (Hip Flexors) · Rectus Femoris
ALSO WORKS
Glutes · Obliques · Quadratus Lumborum
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01Stand in a split stance with the right foot forward and the left foot about two feet back.
  2. 02Squeeze the left glute and tuck the tailbone under until the front of the left hip lengthens.
  3. 03Brace the abdominals so the ribs stay down and the low back does not arch.
  4. 04Reach the left arm overhead and slightly to the right, keeping the pelvic tuck.
  5. 05Hold for thirty seconds, release, and repeat twice per side.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Glute on, tail under, then reach.
  2. 02Ribs stay stacked over the pelvis the whole time.
  3. 03If you feel it in the low back, tuck harder and reach less.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Reaching before tucking the pelvis — the lumbar spine extends and the hip flexor never lengthens.
  2. 02Letting the back knee turn out — the stance widens and the stretch leaves the front of the hip.
  3. 03Holding the breath while bracing — the abdominal wall grips and the position becomes unsustainable.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

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