Weekly Hip Stretch – TFL Twofer
Last week we did a myofascial release. This week it’s an honest-to-goodness stretch for the TFL stretch.
As we start out, it might look familiar to you as a hamstring stretch.
Go ahead and stretch your hamstrings too. It’s a twofer.
Illuminate me…
The TFL connects to your IT band which is a tendon. The IT band often gets tight. As a tendon, it’s stiff and strong, and doesn’t stretch like a muscle does. One way to help keep the tendon gliding and moving well, is to keep its attached muscle in good shape.
Since one of the main jobs of the TFL is to abduct the leg (bring it away from midline of the body), we’re going to stretch it by adducting it (bringing it toward the midline of the body).
This isn’t not stretching the entirety of the muscle, but you can combine this with a hamstring stretch for something quick and targeted.
Try it…
What you’ll need:
A strap or belt
A floor to lie on
Here’s the release.
Try it and let me know if you like it!
As always, go slowly and listen to your body.
Wishing you happy hips!