9 Ways to Stretch Your Hip Flexors

9 Ways to Stretch Your Hip Flexors
Sure, we know that stretching is important to give our muscles a break and heal from all the vigorous activity we put them through during workouts, but which parts of the body do we normally focus on? Hint: legs and arms. The hips are oftentimes overlooked and understretched, which is unfortunate because they are designed to take on a lot of force. Stretching the hip flexors allows them to reach their full range of motion. If you're not utilizing your hips' full range of motion, a lot of the load they could potentially carry will instead fall onto your lower back, which creates problems over time. Check out these eight hip stretches to help put the hop in your hips. Butterfly Stretch: This stretch serves to stretch not only your hip flexors, but your hamstrings as well. Here's how to do it. Crossover Hip Stretch: This stretch feels so good, you'll dream about stretching out while sitting at your desk! Click here to see how it's done. Deep Squat Stand: Get your quads, glutes and hamstrings stretched out with this deep stretch! Check it out here. Extended Wide Squat: As if the deep squat stand wasn't enough, this one will really extend the squat and give your muscles the treatment they deserve! Here's how to do it. Floor Hip Stretch: Don't forget to breathe out when leaning forward to get the most out of this stretch! Click here to see more details. Goblet Squat Hold: This is a great stretch for the hips, hamstrings, and glutes, while also strengthening them as well. It also targets the hip flexors and stretches the groin. Here's how to do it! Samson Stretch: This stretch will strength and lengthen your arms, shoulders and back as well as stretches your hips. Click here to learn how to do it. Spiderman Stretch: Shakira's hips don't lie and yours won't either after this hip flexor stretch. Check it out here. Toy Soldier Stretch: This dynamic stretch will take your hips through a forward range of motion. Click here to learn how to do it. Original article and pictures take http://www.skinnymom.com/2014/12/17/9-ways-to-stretch-your-hip-flexors/ site