May 13, 2013

    The Best Hip Stretch Ever

    For the third week in a row, we are talking about stretching. Read back to learn more about the MAJOR flexibility goal of improving angles and force production, as well as the first installation in this series, “The Best Hamstring Stretch Ever”.

    Today we are taking the same approach to choosing the most time efficient and effective stretch, but this time for the hips. The hips can be one of the trickiest joints because they function in so many different planes of movement and are the hub for so many different muscles.

    The Rotational Lunge is the ultimate hip stretch because it sequentially addresses body position and range of motion in as many different planes as possible.

    Coaching Keys

    • Long stride – thigh separation is created by front side flexion and back side extension

    • Pull the front leg straight – hips tall

    • Rotate fingers vertical (rotation should come from the hips and thoracic spine, not the shoulder)

    When it comes to maximizing your time, it does not get any better than the Rotational Lunge. You can do the Rotational Lunge everyday and it never gets old because you can always make small improvements to your awareness, posture, and range of motion.

    Next week we will cover our last segment in this series, “Every Athlete’s Most Important Stretch”.

    Tag(s): Education

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