From a plank position, bring your right foot to the outside of the right hand, keeping your back leg fully extended. Hold this pose for 3-5 seconds and repeat on the left side. Alternate from side to side for about a minute, each time trying to bring the foot further past the hand.
This movement opens up the hips and improves hip flexion. It is a great stretch for your hip flexors, hamstrings and quadriceps muscles. Not only does it improve your hip flexibility, it helps strengthen the muscles in your leg.
Perform these exercises three or four times a week, before and/or after a workout to increase mobility. The key to any good stretch is breathing. Breathing during stretching helps you relax, which in turn, allows you to increase the intensity of your stretch. It also helps increase circulation, providing oxygenated blood to your muscles. Never stretch beyond the level at which you feel comfortable. If at any time you discomfort and/or pain, you should discontinue the stretch immediately.
Believe Personal Training strongly recommends that you consult with your physician or health care specialist, before beginning any exercise program. You should be in good physical condition and be able to participate in any exercise. The instruction presented herein is in no way intended as a substitute for medical advice or counseling.
You should understand that when participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, and are voluntarily participating in these activities. You assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge Believe Personal Training from any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages, complications, or injuries that may result from use of this program. By use of this program the user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, Believe Personal Training, its parents, subsidiaries, shareholders, officers, directors, employees, agents, and suppliers from any and all claims, actions, demands, suits, losses, or related damages (including attorneys’ fees) connected to or deriving from the use of Believe Personal Training’s workout program. This includes, but is not limited to such claims made or incurred by the user or any third party arising out of or relating to the use of Believe Personal Training’s or the user’s violation of any rights of a third party related to the use of this program.