Thread: Most imperative muscle to stretch in terms of relieving discomfort

Hip flexors, and the iliotibial band down the outside of the thigh. My hips are so tight some days, it's a wonder I can walk. I can barely even squat to parallel unless I stretch out first (I find that single-leg Bulgarian lunges, with my back foot up on the bench, is a great warmup for squatting).

Hmm, if somebody could find a good site for important stretches to do before and after different activities that would be great.

Skib, I twist, turn and stretch in bed too, weird.

I feel the need to stretch my abs more often, but I think that's because I exercise them more often and they are stabilizers in all kinds of lifts and movements.

Originally posted by Akateros
Hip flexors

definately.

although i found a really good stretch for them. while standing, place the outside of your right ankle over your opposite knee (like you're crossing your legs) and squat... targets them nicely

Originally posted by Akateros
Hip flexors, and the iliotibial band down the outside of the thigh. My hips are so tight some days, it's a wonder I can walk. I can barely even squat to parallel unless I stretch out first (I find that single-leg Bulgarian lunges, with my back foot up on the bench, is a great warmup for squatting).

I'm with you on the iliotibial band. Along with tight calves, they wreak havoc upon my knees. Much stretching needed before squats and deads. Thanks for the tip on Bulgarian lunges.