Hip Flexor Stretch – One of the Best Stretches for Tight Hips

Hip Flexor Stretch – One of the Best Stretches for Tight Hips

Loosen up tight hip flexors with this deep stretch. We start by showing you the classic kneeling hip flexor stretch, explaining how to tilt your pelvis and engage your glutes for a safer, more effective stretch.  As you follow along, you’ll feel the front of your hips lengthening. We discuss why this is such a favorite stretch – especially if you sit a lot or cycle – because it opens your hips, can alleviate lower back strain, and improves your posture.

Incorporate this stretch regularly to maintain flexible, healthy hips and thighs.

Hip Flexor stretch:

1. Place the right knee on the ground with the left foot flat on the ground

2. Engage your glutes

3. Push forward into the front leg, keeping the chest lifted

4. Hold for 30 seconds, you should feel the stretch in the front of the hip

5. After 30 seconds take the right arm up and over into a side bend

6. Hold for 30 seconds, the stretch now may change position to your abs or side

7. Repeat with right foot forward

Squat band walk:

1. Tie the band around the top of the leg, not over the knee joint itself

2. Squat down into a comfy squat position, with your chest lifted

3. Walk 6 – 8 paces in one direction and then back again

4. Repeat this walk 5 to 8 times

 

To join my Pilates classes and improve your muscle balance head to movewilder.co.uk or contact me on hannah@movewidler.co.uk to find out about my class options. #commonmuscleimbalances #muscleimbalance #pilatesforbalance #balancedbody #Stretch #HipFlexors #Mobility #Posture #Pilates

The 8 minute stretch routine every cyclists should try.

The 8 minute stretch routine every cyclists should try.

Stretching is important for cyclists because it helps maintain flexibility, improves joint range of motion, and reduces the muscle tightness that builds up from repetitive pedalling motion. Cycling places the body in a fixed position for long periods, which can cause imbalances such as shortened hip flexors, tight hamstrings, and a rounded upper back. Regular stretching counteracts these effects, supporting better posture on the bike, enhancing power transfer, and lowering injury risk by keeping muscles and connective tissues supple. It also aids recovery by increasing blood flow to fatigued areas, helping cyclists feel fresher for their next ride.

Try this 8 minute stretch with me.

After years of planning and designing we believe our strength and mobility program will make a positive impact on your ride time. Come and try Velo Core 14 day free trial and then £19.99 a month. www.velocore.co.uk

#CyclingStrength #VeloCore #CyclingStrengthTraining #strengthandconditioning #stretches #stretchesforcyclists

Build Stronger Glutes For Cycling | Resistance band workout

Build Stronger Glutes For Cycling | Resistance band workout

Gluteus maximus: Powers the downstroke and provides major force with each pedal revolution, especially important for climbing and sprinting. Cyclists, it’s time to ride stronger, move better, and feel more balanced both on and off the bike. Velo Core combines targeted strength, Pilates, and mobility training designed to fix common cycling imbalances, boost performance, and speed up recovery. Start your 14-day free trial today at velocore.co.uk and see the difference on your next ride.

 

 

Bike Fit Q&A: Jon Answers Your Top Cycling Comfort Questions

Bike Fit Q&A: Jon Answers Your Top Cycling Comfort Questions

In this video, Jon from Pedalling Perfection answers your biggest questions about bike fit — from saddle height and cleat position to comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Jon is the founder of Pedalling Perfection, an independent bike fit studio dedicated to helping cyclists of all levels ride more comfortably, efficiently, and confidently. With an inclusive, no-nonsense approach, Jon focuses purely on results — not sales — so every recommendation is tailored to you and your goals. Whether you’re a new rider or a seasoned racer, this Q&A will shed some light on how to combat some of the typical bike fit issues people suffer from.

 

Learn more or book your own fit at: https://www.pedallingperfection.com/

 

 

Why the hamstrings are important in the pedal stroke.

Why the hamstrings are important in the pedal stroke.

The hamstrings play a crucial role in the cycling pedal stroke mainly by assisting with knee flexion and hip extension. During the pedal stroke, the hamstrings work mostly in the latter part of the downstroke and throughout the upstroke phase. Specifically:

  • The hamstrings help flex the knee as the pedal passes the lowest point (around 5 o’clock to 1 o’clock positions), pulling the foot back and up to prepare for the next downstroke.
  • They extend the hip joint, contributing to power during the downstroke by complementing the glutes and quadriceps.
  • Hamstrings also help stabilise the knee as it extends, which is vital for efficient force transfer from your hips and thighs to your lower legs and pedals.
  • Because cycling keeps the hamstrings in a shortened position most of the time, regular stretching helps maintain their flexibility and prevents them from tightening up, which can negatively affect lower back health and pedal stroke efficiency.
  • Strengthening the hamstrings is important to prevent overuse injuries and ensure they can effectively support the glutes and quads in producing power throughout the pedal stroke.

In summary, the hamstrings are essential for the upward and backward movement of the pedal, knee stability, and hip extension, making them key for a smooth, efficient, and injury-free cycling pedal stroke.