Standing Hip Flexors

Standing Hip Flexors is a beginner-level isolation in the stretching category that primarily works the quads.

How to do it

1. 1Stand up straight with the spine vertical, the left foot slightly in front of the right.
2. 2Bend both knees and lift the back heel off the floor as you press the right hip forward. You can't get a thorough, deep stretch in this position, however, because it's hard to relax the hip flexor and stand on it at the same time. Switch sides.

Muscles worked

Primary muscles in filled badges, secondary in grey. Tap for more exercises per muscle.

Tips and common mistakes

• •Focus on the muscle contraction and control the eccentric (lowering) phase.
• •Hold each position for 20–40 seconds without bouncing, and breathe calmly.
• •Prioritize full range of motion over heavy weight with partial reps.

Sets and reps

2–3 sets, holding each position 20–40 seconds. Great as a cool-down or mobility session.