Stretching is not only for athletes and yogis. Anyone who wants to improve their flexibility and range of motion should consider performing a few stretches every day. People with sedentary lifestyles, in particular, should stretch daily to help improve their mobility. Sedentary individuals are generally more prone to injuries because their tight muscles aren’t acclimated to sudden or jerky movements and tight muscles lead to mobility restrictions in our joints. Inevitably, muscles grow weaker and joints stiffen up. Stretching can help reverse that aging process. Whether you are young or old, athletic or sedentary, stretching is a great way to improve your fitness and agility. Our hips tend to get extra tight from all the sitting and walking we do, and they need a lot of extra love after a long day. There’s a reason we sleep better when we open up our hips before bed! Here are eight hip stretches to incorporate into your daily practice. It is important to remember to not stretch into pain. If you are unsure of your ability to get into one of these poses, seek guidance from a professional: Based on excerpts from 1,500 Stretches: The Complete Guide to Flexibility & Movement by Hollis Liebman, with the permission of Black Dog & Leventhal, Copyright © 2017. Need more tips for opening up your hips? Here are a few ideas.
