Experiencing hip pain? It’s easy to think you pulled it in a workout or maybe even slept on it wrong. But the real culprit could be just sitting still. Maintaining a sedentary position, such as sitting at your desk all day for work, could lead to tightness in the hips, causing moderate to severe pain. Before you quit your day job to become an aerobics instructor, we’ve got some tips on how minor changes can alleviate major pains.

If you are experiencing soreness in your hip flexors, try this easy stretch that you can do just about anywhere. Here is how:

• Get out of your chair and position yourself on your knees on the floor.
• Put one foot out in front and bend your knee so that the front leg is in a 90-degree angle.
• Lean forward by activating the hip on the side of the leg that is touching the ground.
• For an added stretch, raise your arm on the side of your body with the leg touching the ground.
• Hold this position for at least 30 seconds. As you progress over time, increase the interval that you hold this stretch. The goal is to hold the stretch for two minutes.
• Switch and repeat these steps on the opposite side.

Doing this stretch in the morning, at noon, at night and before and after workouts will alleviate pain in your hip flexors and lower back while also activating your glutes. Working full-time shouldn’t mean you have to compromise your health. Stay healthy and active with this simple, yet effective stretch.

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