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Bent Over Cross Leg Stretch

Beginner
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A standing bodyweight stretch where one leg is crossed over the other, bending forward to target the hamstrings and outer hips. It is used to improve lower body mobility and flexibility.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Hamstrings

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Mobility
Rehab
Stability

Training Style

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Hamstrings

10/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Glutes

7/10

Glute Medius

Lower Back

3/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

1-3 reps

Rest Between Sets

10-30 seconds • Hold time per side.

How to Perform

Stand tall with feet hip-width apart. Cross one leg over the other, ensuring the feet are close together and the hips remain square.

  1. Maintain a slight bend in the knees.
  2. Hinge at the hips, slowly bending forward toward your toes.
  3. Reach down until a deep stretch is felt in the back leg's hamstring and hip.
  4. For a deeper stretch, lean your upper body slightly away from the back leg's hip.
  5. Hold the stretch, then slowly return to the starting position.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Hinge at the hips
  • Keep legs straight
  • Breathe into the stretch
  • Lean away from back hip

Breathing

Breathe deeply and slowly throughout the stretch, exhaling as you deepen the forward bend.

Tempo

5-20-0

Range of Motion

Bend forward until the hands reach the toes or the maximum comfortable stretch is achieved in the hamstrings and outer hip.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Stop immediately if sharp pain occurs in the knee or lower back.
  • Do not force the stretch beyond a comfortable tension.

Spotting

Not recommended; this is a self-regulated stretch.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding the lower back excessively
  • Bouncing during the stretch
  • Not keeping the feet close together

When to Avoid

  • Acute hamstring tear or strain
  • Severe lower back pain
  • Recent hip surgery

Build Up First

  • Ability to stand unassisted

Also known as

Standing Cross Leg Hamstring Stretch, Crossed Leg Toe Touch, Standing Glute Stretch

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