Standing Hip Flexor Stretch
This standing stretch is a great way to start your day. It opens your hip and stretches your elusive psoas muscle, which is chronically tight in most people. As an added benefit, it provides a nice stretch up your upper back and shoulder and strengthens your arms and legs.
1. Stand steadily on a firm surface, your feet even with your hips and your arms at your sides. Practice balance and coordination. Spreading your toes helps you establish a firm base of support. Gaze forward at one object to enhance your sense of balance.

2. As you inhale, step forward with your right foot, about the length of your leg. Keep your feet even with your hips, your legs straight with a slight bend in your knees, and your weight placed evenly from front leg to back. Your feet are flat on the floor, both hipbones facing forward. Rest your right hand lightly on your right thigh, while your left arm rests by your side.
Flex Alert!
Stand with both feet flat and firmly on the floor. You may swivel your left foot outward.

3. Lift your left arm up by your ear as you bend your right knee over your right ankle, leading with your chest, inhaling as you go. Pause here to s-t-r-e-t-c-h. Exhale, straighten your right leg, and move your arm down by your side to the starting position. Repeat this movement four times, remembering your Envelope Breathing. As you move, keep your upper body relaxed to prevent tension in your back, shoulders and neck.

4. Step your right foot back to the starting position, check your balance, then step your left foot forward as you inhale, your left hand on your left thigh, your right arm at your side. Repeat the movements four times on this side of your body. Return to the starting position to pause, check your balance and relax your breath.
Posted on May 9th, 2008 by Jamie
Filed under: Hip Openers | No Comments »






