8 Stretches That Will Instantly Loosen Your Tight Hips

Tight hips seem to be a common problem for almost everybody — from runners to cyclists, from deskbound bloggers to dancers. Give this area a little extra love with this sequence of eight hip-opening stretches to increase your flexibility, reduce discomfort, and prevent injury. Try the series in the order listed here, or pick your favorites to incorporate into your workout routine.

Happy Baby

This calming hip opener also stretches your lower back.

• Begin lying flat on your back. Bend both knees, and hold the outside edges of your flexed feet with your hands. Keep your arms on the outsides of your legs.
• Gently use your upper-body strength to equally press both knees to the floor below your armpits. Try not to tense your shoulders or chest, but keep everything relaxed.
• Stay here for five deep breaths.

Extended Wide Squat

This relaxing stretch targets both hips at once while opening up your lower back.

• Stand with your feet slightly wider than your hips. Bend your knees, and lower your hips down toward the ground. If your heels don't touch the ground, roll up a towel or the back of your mat, and place it under your heels for support.
• Bring your palms together at your heart center, and firmly press your elbows against the inside of your knees. This will help to open your hips even further.
• After five breaths, release the hands to the floor and walk them away from your feet to increase the stretch in the hips and lower back. Hold for another five breaths.

Check out the other 6 stretches.