How to Stretch Hips

After a good work out, everyone tends to stretch the old standbys: calves, arms, back. More often than not, however, the athletically active feel a great deal of tension in their hips, but have no real idea how to relieve this part of the body's elusive muscles. The hips are, in fact, totally stretchable. It may take a little more effort to get to those out of the way aches and pains.

Instructions

    • 1

      Bend over and touch your toes. You are already stretching your calves. While you are in this position, however, shift your weight to one side and jutting out the corresponding hip. Hold this position for at least ten seconds and then repeat to the other side. Complete this exercise until hips begin to feel free and loose.

    • 2

      Lie on your back and loosely cross your right leg over your left so that your legs form a triangle. Grab the back of your left leg at the thigh and pull it toward you, pressing your right leg toward your chest. You should feel a deep stretch running from the top of the leg to the buttocks to the hips. Hold this position for ten seconds and switch legs.

    • 3

      Sit yoga style and cross your right leg over your left. Lean over legs and drop our head as close to the floor as possible. Let gravity push your weight downward onto you legs, deepening your stretch slowly. Hold for at least ten seconds and repeat to the other side.

    • 4

      Work your lunge. The best hip stretch can be done by just about anyone and is a great preparation as well as a cool down for exercises. Spread your feet wide apart, more than shoulder-width, with your toes pointing outward. Put your hands on your thighs and drop your body down as far as you can without your legs sliding outward. The motion will awaken the muscles in your thighs, calves, and hips, and will loosen your joints, removing any unwanted stiffness. After this stretch, you're ready either to tighten your muscles up or unwind them after a long workout.