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Walking Figure 4 Stretch

Beginner
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A dynamic bodyweight stretch that targets the glutes and hamstrings to improve hip mobility and flexibility, often used as a warm-up drill.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Hip Flexors

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Mobility
Stability
Conditioning
Rehab

Training Style

Mobility Flow
Warm-up
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Glutes

10/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Hamstrings

7/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Hip Flexors

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

10-30 seconds • Rest between sets or transition immediately to the next exercise.

How to Perform

Stand tall with feet hip-width apart. This is a dynamic stretch performed while walking forward, requiring space for movement.

  1. Step forward and cross one ankle over the opposite knee, forming a '4' shape.
  2. Hinge slightly at the hips, lowering your body until a stretch is felt in the glute.
  3. Maintain balance and hold the stretch briefly for 1-2 seconds.
  4. Stand up, uncross the leg, and immediately take a step forward.
  5. Repeat the figure four position on the opposite side while walking.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Maintain a tall chest.
  • Hinge at the hips.
  • Keep the ankle flexed.
  • Control the descent.

Breathing

Inhale as you step and exhale as you sink into the stretch; maintain continuous, controlled breathing.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Lower the hips until a deep but comfortable stretch is felt in the gluteal region of the crossed leg.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Stop immediately if sharp knee pain occurs.
  • Perform slowly and deliberately, especially if balance is challenging.

Spotting

Not applicable.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding the back instead of hinging at the hips.
  • Bouncing into the stretch.
  • Allowing the standing knee to collapse inward.
  • Not flexing the ankle of the crossed leg.

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injury
  • Severe hip pain
  • Significant balance issues

Flexibility Needed

  • Basic single-leg balance

Build Up First

  • Ability to perform a hip hinge

Also known as

Dynamic Figure Four, Pigeon Walk Stretch, Glute Walk

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