Stretching is a common practice among athletes and the health conscious. Stretching enables the muscles to warm up and be able to perform better during physical activity, and while stretching certain poses, bones may also be stretched and aligned. This is the case with straddle stretches. Straddle stretches target the inner thighs and hamstrings of the legs, but also help to stretch and loosen the hip muscles. Performing a straddle exercise is done in two ways: standing and sitting.
Standing Straddle Stretch
Step 1
Stand with the legs spread out as far as comfortably possible and toes facing forward.
Step 2
Lean the upper body to one side or one leg as if trying to grasp the ankle. Lean forward and try to touch the toes, stretching the hips as well as the hamstrings. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Walk the upper body over to the other leg and repeat the previous step with this leg, stretching out the hips and hamstring muscles, and holding for 10 to 20 seconds.
Step 3
Place the torso in the center between the legs and try to place the hands as close to the floor as possible, stretching out the hamstrings and hips. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds and roll the body up slowly, without making any sudden moves, which could cause straining of the muscles.
Sitting Straddle Stretch
Step 1
Sit on the ground and spread the legs out to the sides as far as comfortably possible.
Step 2
Lean the upper body over to one leg and try to grasp the ankle, holding for 10 to 20 seconds and coming up slowly. Repeat the process with the opposite leg.
Step 3
Lean the upper body forward, trying to come as close to the ground as possible. The hands can be stretched out in front or placed on the ankles for an extra stretch. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds and come up slowly.
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