I asked a Pilates instructor for her favourite moves to help stretch and strengthen tight hips—here are the seven exercises she recommends

A woman in a long sleeved top, leggings and sneakers sits on an exercise mat with her legs bent to her left hand side. There is a yoga block and water bottle next to her. .

If you spend a lot of time sitting on the couch or doing exercises like running or cycling, chances are you have stiff hips.

Both prolonged sitting and repetitive knee-lifting exercise force your hip flexor muscles to contract, which can lead to these muscles shortening and feeling tight.