Your rectus femoris is one of the muscles on the front of your upper thigh that helps with knee and hip extension. The rectus femoris extends from the patella, or kneecap, into the thigh, and is prone to strains and spasms with regular activity. The rectus femoris benefits from a regular stretching routine.
Step 1
Stand in place and lift your right foot up so it is close to your butt. Grasp your ankle with your right hand and gently pull your ankle to your butt, feeling the stretch in the front of your thigh. Push your pelvis out slightly for more stretch. Repeat on the other side.
Step 2
Step forward as if performing a lunge, so your front leg is at 90 degrees with your foot flat on the floor, and back leg is 90 degrees with the top of your foot on the floor. Keep your torso and pelvis upright and lean forward to feel the stretch in your back leg. Do the stretch on both sides.
Step 3
Stand with your back to an exercise bench or table and bend your right leg to place the top of your foot on the bench. Squeeze your butt muscles and slowly bend your left leg to feel the stretch in your left rectus femoris. Repeat with the left leg.
Tips and Warnings
- Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds on each side.
