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Thigh Stretches
Stretch It: Inner Thigh
I have received many requests from inflexible readers for stretches. So here is one of my favorites, especially for after a run since you can do it anywhere and you don't have to lie down to do it. It stretches the inner thighs (aka adductors) safely and effectively, and those inner thighs are often forgotten in a workout as well as stretching.
Stretch It: Inner Thighs
It is best to stretch warm muscles, which means you should stretch after a run or a workout. Sometimes though, you are not really in a place where you want to throw yourself onto the ground and commence stretching. That is one reason I love this inner thigh stretch.
Strike a Yoga Pose: Wide-Legged Forward Bend E
In Ashtanga yoga, although there are technically four Wide-Legged Forward Bend poses, sometimes I've been to classes where the instructor throws in a fifth — Wide-Legged Forward Bend E. This pose is great for stretching your hips, hamstrings, and inner thighs.
Sanskrit Name: Prasarita Padottanasana E
English Translation: Feet Spread Intense Stretch Pose E
Also Called: Wide-Legged Forward Bend E or Wide-Legged Split
You definitely don't have to go down this far.
Stretch It: Wall Straddle
The wall is a great prop to use when stretching because it can either support the weight of your body, as in Shoulder Wall Roll, or add resistance like with this Chest Opener. If you liked the relaxing Legs up the Wall Stretch, here's a variation that will stretch your inner thighs.
To find out how to do this read more
Stretch It: Frogger
If you've been doing a lot of squats, biking, running, or sitting for long periods, you could use a good hip and inner thigh opener. This stretch I call Frogger might look a little x-rated, but once you get past that, it'll become your new favorite post-workout move. (Though I'd refrain from dropping on the floor in the middle of your office to do this one.) Like Pigeon and Butterfly, this hip opener is intense and most beneficial if you hang out in it for a while — at least a minute.
Strike a Yoga Pose: Head to Knee B
Runners and other athletes need to spend extra time stretching their hamstrings. If you like the Head to Knee A pose, you're going to love this variation that will stretch the part of your hamstring closest to your glutes. I always do this stretch after a run.
Stretch It: Iliotibial Band and Outer Thigh
Running can take its toll on your knees and having tight muscles and soft tissue around the very important knee joint can increase the toll we runners pay. That is why stretching is so very important.
This stretch targets the iliotibial band (ITB), the thick band of fascia that runs down the outside of the thigh, and it is important because when the ITB gets tight it can pull the knee cap out of alignment causing all sorts of pain.
Strike a Yoga Pose: Head to Knee A
Looking to loosen up inflexible hips and hamstrings? Here's a yoga pose that's a popular stretch among runners because it'll target the oh-so-tight backs of the legs.
Sanskrit Name: Janu Sirsasana A
English Translation: Head to Knee Pose A
Also Called: Flag
To learn how to do this forward bend variation read more
Thigh stretch
Back HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M Hold on to something for balance. Standing on one leg, grasp the foot of the other leg. Keep your knee pointing down.No Equipment Necessary: Tabletop Lift
Tabletop may look easy (shown in the photo on the left), but once you hold it for a while, you'll feel your thighs, booty, and triceps burning. It's also a great exercise that will open your shoulders and chest. Here's a variation that will strengthen your core and increase flexibility in your lower back and hamstrings.
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