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Half Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch

Beginner
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A bodyweight stretch in half-kneeling position that targets hip flexors and quadriceps to improve flexibility and posture; used for mobility warmups and reducing tightness from sitting.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Hip Flexors, Quads

Secondary Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

8

Goals

Mobility
Stability
Rehab

Training Style

Yoga
Mobility Flow

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Hip Flexors

10/10

Iliopsoas

Quads

8/10

Rectus Femoris

Glutes

6/10

Glute Max

Abs

4/10

Transverse Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

2-5 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds • Rest between sides

How to Perform

Kneel on one knee with the other foot forward, foot flat on the floor and knee at 90 degrees. Place a pad under the kneeling knee for comfort and keep torso upright.

  1. Tuck your pelvis by squeezing the glute of the kneeling leg.
  2. Shift your hips forward while keeping the back knee on the ground.
  3. Engage your core to maintain a neutral spine.
  4. Hold the position feeling the stretch in the front of the kneeling hip.
  5. Breathe deeply and relax into the stretch.
  6. Return to start by shifting hips back.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Squeeze glute
  • Tuck pelvis under
  • Shift hips forward
  • Keep back straight
  • Breathe steadily

Breathing

Inhale deeply through the nose, exhale slowly through the mouth while holding the stretch and maintaining pelvic tuck.

Tempo

0-30-0

Range of Motion

Extend the kneeling hip until a gentle stretch is felt in the front of the hip, with the torso upright and pelvis tucked, avoiding lower back arch.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute knee or hip pain exists
  • Stop if lower back discomfort occurs
  • Use padding for knee sensitivity
  • Consult professional for pre-existing conditions

Spotting

Not required; self-supported stretch with optional wall for balance.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back
  • Leaning torso backward
  • Allowing front knee to pass toes excessively
  • Not engaging core

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injury
  • Lower back pain
  • Hip impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate knee flexion
  • Basic hip mobility

Build Up First

  • Ability to kneel comfortably

Also known as

Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch, Half-Kneel Hip Stretch, Lunge Hip Flexor Stretch

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