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Hip Flexor Reset After Long Sitting

A hip-opening routine for people who sit a lot. Focus on the front of the hips, glutes, and gentle core control.

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Before you start

Move gently and stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, numbness, or symptoms that feel unsafe. This routine is general fitness guidance, not medical care.

Exercises

1. Half-Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch

1 set · 45s hold · 10s rest · both sides

Tuck pelvis slightly, squeeze the back-side glute, and shift forward until the front of the hip stretches. Stay tall.

Steps

  • Start in a half-kneeling position.
  • Tuck the pelvis slightly under you.
  • Squeeze the back-side glute.
  • Shift forward gently.
  • Stay tall as the front of the hip stretches.

Cues

  • Glute on.
  • Pelvis tucked.
  • Tall body.

Common mistakes

  • Arching the lower back.
  • Leaning forward from the chest.
  • Forcing a deep lunge.

2. Couch Stretch

1 set · 40s hold · 15s rest · both sides

Place the back knee near a wall or couch and rise only as high as comfortable. Keep glute active to protect the lower back.

Steps

  • Place the back knee near a wall or couch.
  • Set the back shin up only as high as comfortable.
  • Bring the front foot forward.
  • Squeeze the back-side glute.
  • Rise tall within a comfortable range.

Cues

  • Glute protects back.
  • Rise only comfortable.
  • Breathe slowly.

Common mistakes

  • Starting too close to the wall.
  • Arching the lower back.
  • Pushing through knee discomfort.

3. Glute Bridge March

2 sets · 6 reps · 20s rest · both sides

Hold a bridge and slowly lift one foot at a time. Keep hips level and lower the bridge if the back takes over.

Steps

  • Lie on your back with knees bent.
  • Lift into a bridge.
  • Keep hips level.
  • Lift one foot slightly.
  • Set it down and switch sides.

Cues

  • Hips level.
  • Small march.
  • Glutes hold bridge.

Common mistakes

  • Letting hips drop side to side.
  • Arching the lower back.
  • Lifting the leg too high.

4. 90-90 Hip Switch

2 sets · 6 reps · 15s rest

Sit in a 90-90 position and rotate knees side to side with control. Use hands behind you if needed.

Steps

  • Sit with knees bent in a 90-90 shape.
  • Place hands behind you if needed.
  • Rotate both knees to one side.
  • Move through the middle with control.
  • Rotate to the other side.

Cues

  • Use hands if needed.
  • Control the switch.
  • Hips stay easy.

Common mistakes

  • Forcing knees to the floor.
  • Rushing through the middle.
  • Ignoring hip or knee pinch.

5. Standing Hip Extension Pulse

2 sets · 12 reps · 15s rest · both sides

Hold a chair, stand tall, and pulse one straight leg slightly behind you. Keep ribs down and squeeze the glute.

Steps

  • Hold a chair for support.
  • Stand tall with ribs down.
  • Extend one straight leg slightly behind you.
  • Pulse in a small range.
  • Squeeze the glute, then switch sides.

Cues

  • Small pulse.
  • Ribs down.
  • Glute squeezes.

Common mistakes

  • Arching the lower back.
  • Swinging the leg.
  • Leaning heavily into the chair.