A Subtle Hip Flexor Stretch that Releases Hidden Tightness

A Subtle Hip Flexor Stretch that Releases Hidden Tightness

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Your body adapts to the way you use it every day.

For example, when you walk, your hip flexors stretch to one length and, when you sit, they become dramatically shorter. This flexibility according to need is very important.

If you spend a lot of time sitting every day, your body eventually learns that you don’t need the hip flexor length optimal for walking and, to conserve energy, it literally shortens your hip flexors in a process called sarcomerolysis.

While it’s amazing that the body conserves energy automatically by lengthening and shortening and adapting to how you spend the most time, it’s not so great when it comes to alignment and body function

For instance, take those shortened hip flexors that have adapted to sitting, they no longer have the length necessary to walk efficiently and will inhibit your glutes from participating. This means your hamstrings and low back will have to work overtime when you walk.

The good news, if you think you have shortened hip flexors, is that as long as you are alive, your body continues to adapt. If you change your behavior, your body will learn and adapt. With specific action and continued commitment, you can regain optimal length in your hip flexors!

Here are three actions you can take immediately:

1. Stop sitting for long periods of time. If work requires you to be in front of a computer for long stretches, change up your work station. Create a workspace that allows you to stand and/or kneel in addition to sitting.
2. Take frequent breaks to get up and walk around and stretch.
3. Stretch your hip flexors regularly while maintaining a neutrally aligned pelvis.

Today’s video takes a familiar hip flexor stretch and changes it up in subtle ways to help you open and release areas you probably haven’t visited before.

Check the video and let me know what you think! If you try this stretch, I’d love to hear how it goes in the comments below.

Happy hip flexor stretching!

Sydney

Hi, I’m Sydney and I’m a Restorative Movement Specialist here at Pilates Tonic. My goal is to empower you with tools to connect and live in your body in new and better ways.

I’m a passionate advocate for wellness through optimally aligned movement and I look forward to designing a customized alignment and movement program just for you! If you want to find out more, just give me a call at 423.702.5233, or email me at info@pilatestonic.com. See you in the studio!

References:

Original article and pictures take www.pilatestonic.com site