Hip stretch improves flexibility, helps back

Developing the muscles and ligaments around your hips will improve their strength and flexibility and will leave you with fewer aches and pains in your lower back. If you’re fit and athletic, you may find your hips to be stronger than they are flexible. This standing hip stretch is a simple way to increase hip flexibility. When starting out, use a sturdy chair or bench for balance.

1 Start by standing upright. Place your right ankle across your left thigh, just above your knee. Push out through your right heel. Bend your left leg and hip while sitting into a squat position. You should feel a deep stretch in your right hip. Place your hands on the floor or on the edge of a sturdy chair or bench for balance.

2 As you get more comfortable with this move, try reaching your hands forward. Balance in this position with your fingertips and hips reaching in opposite directions. Keep lengthening your spine as you look down and breathe evenly for 15 to 30 seconds. Lower your hands, release your leg and stand up. Repeat on the other leg.

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Karen Voight