Benefits of glutes stretching
• Relieve Pain: Stretching tight glutes can help relieve low back pain, buttocks pain, pelvic pain, tight hips, tight hamstrings, and in some cases, knee pain.
• Improve Flexibility: Regular glute stretching can help increase flexibility in your muscles, allowing you to move more freely.
• Enhance Range of Motion: By stretching your glutes, you can improve your range of motion, making it easier to perform daily activities with ease.
• Reduce Injury Risk: Tight glutes can lead to poor posture and gait, putting you at a higher risk of injury. Regular stretching can help reduce the risk of injury by maintaining muscle balance and flexibility.
• Improve Mobility: Regular glute stretching can help improve overall mobility and performance by reducing tension and promoting relaxation in your muscles.
Exercises
Step 1: Start in a seated position with both legs extended straight in front of you.
Step 2: Bend your right knee and bring the right ankle over your left knee so that your right shin is perpendicular to the floor.
Step 3: Bend your left knee and use your left hand to grasp your left ankle or shin.
Step 4: Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then release and repeat on the other side.
Half Pigeon Variation
Step 1: Start on your hands and knees with your hands directly below your shoulders and your knees directly below your hips.
Step 2: Bring your right knee forward to the outside of your right hand and extend your right leg behind you so that your ankle is in line with your left hip.
Step 3: Place your right hand on the floor in front of you and slowly begin to lower your body down, resting your right forearm on the floor.
Step 4: Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then release and repeat on the other side.
Half Lord of the Fishes
Step 1: Start in a seated position with both legs extended straight in front of you.
Step 2: Bend your right knee and bring your foot to the outside of your left hip.
Step 3: Twist your torso to the right and place your right hand behind you for support.
Step 4: Place your left elbow on the outside of your right knee and hold onto your right foot with your left hand.
Step 5: Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then release and repeat on the other side.
90-90
Step 1: Start in a seated position with your legs straight out in front of you.
Step 2: Flex your right foot and bend your right knee, bringing it towards your chest. Place your arms around your shin to support the stretch.
Bonus: To deepen the stretch, gently pull your right knee towards your right armpit while maintaining a straight back. Hold this position for 1-2 minutes, then repeat on the other side. This is one repetition.
Recline Knee To Chest
Step 1: Lie on your back, legs extended.
Step 2: Flex left knee, grab shin & pull it to chest.
Step 3 (Optional): To deepen, pull left knee towards left armpit, keeping low back on mat. Hold 1-2 min. Repeat on right side.
Downward-Facing Dog
Step 1: Begin in a push-up position, with your hands placed shoulder-width apart and legs together.
Step 2: Straighten your body and engage your core muscles.
Step 3: Move your hips back and up, forming an inverted “V” shape with your body.
Step 4: Slight bend your knees and bring your head between your shoulders, aligning it with your spine.
Step 5: Reach your heels towards the floor, keeping them slightly raised.
Step 6: Hold the pose for 20 seconds and then return to the starting position.
To provide extra wrist support, you can place each hand on a yoga block.
If needed, bend your knees to help straighten your back, making sure your body stays in an inverted “V” shape.
Foam Rolling
Step 1: Sit on foam roller, hands on floor behind
Step 2: Turn out right ankle to rest on left knee, tilt hips to right.
Step 3: Roll along length of right glute, focusing on tight spots
Repeat on left side.
When performing any of these exercises it is advised you consult a personal trainer or strength and conditioning coach, or part of your local gym fitness team, to make sure your form is correct. If done incorrectly, injuries may occur. If you have any more questions about whether there is anything else you can do to support your muscle growth, you can get in contact with one of our exercise professionals through our email info@livewellhealth.co.uk or give s a call on 0330 043 2501. Alternatively visit our contact page and fill in the contact form.
