Exercise for Tightness in Front of Your Hip

If you spend most of your day sitting at a desk, you’ve probably felt that familiar, stubborn tightness in the front of your hips. Your first instinct might be to stretch them out. But what if we told you that your hip flexors don't actually need more stretching?

Often, what feels like "tightness" is actually weakness. When a muscle is weak and chronically short from sitting, it panics and tenses up.

To fix it, we need to build strength where it matters most. The Seated Straight Leg Hurdle is one of our favorite hip flexor exercises!

How to Do It: Step-by-Step

You don't need fancy equipment for this—a yoga block, a foam roller, a kettlebell, or even a shoe will work perfectly as your "hurdle."

1.Sit flat on the floor with both legs stretched straight out in front of you. 

2. Place your hurdle (like a yoga block) vertically right next to your right ankle.

3. Sit up as tall as you can. Place your hands on the floor beside your hips for support. Brace your core tightly—do not let your lower back slump or round backward.

4.Slowly lift your leg up and over the block, tapping the floor gently on the other side.

5. Lift the leg back over the block to the starting position. That is one repetition.

6. Repeat for 2-3 sets of 10. 

If this exercise is too hard or you fatigue quickly, get a shorter object as your hurdle. If the exercise is too easy, then get a taller object or pull the object closer to you. 

Are stubborn hip tightness or lower back pinches holding you back from your favorite activities? Come see us! You can call/text us or visit our website to make an appointment!