Side Lunge Stretch
The side lunge stretch (often called a lateral lunge stretch) is a highly effective lower-body flexibility exercise. It primarily targets the inner thighs, groins, and hips, while also engaging the glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings. Regularly performing this stretch helps improve hip mobility, increases flexibility, and can aid in preventing lower body injuries.
How to:
- Stand tall with your feet spread wide apart, significantly wider than shoulder-width. Keep your toes pointing relatively straight forward.
- Slowly begin to shift your body weight to one side. Bend the knee of the side you are leaning toward, while keeping the opposite leg completely straight.
- Push your hips back as if you are sitting in a chair on that one side. Lower yourself until you feel a deep, comfortable stretch along the inner thigh of your straight leg. Ensure your bent knee tracks directly over your toes and your feet remain flat on the ground.
- Once you find the stretch, hold the position statically for 15 to 30 seconds. You can rest your hands on your bent thigh for added support and balance.
- Press through the heel of your bent leg to push yourself back up to the starting wide stance, then repeat the identical movement on the opposite side.
*Never do an exercise that causes you pain