Spent all day sitting on the couch? Loosen up your lower body with these three hip stretches

A woman practices a runner's lunge pose in a living room on a yoga mat. Her left knee is bent at a right angle, her hands planted either side, and her right leg is extended behind. In the background we see a couch, coffee table and candles. To her side are leafy plants and a pair of dumbbells.

If you spend a lot of time sitting down, chances are you’ve got tight hip flexors. These muscles are found just below your hip bones and are forced into a contracted position whenever you sit. They can become progressively shorter if you’re in this position for long periods, which is why desk workers often struggle with tight hips.

I’m a trainer and I find that the vast majority of my clients have tight hip flexors, so I’ll often recommend these three stretches to improve their flexibility. You can do the moves every day and need minimal equipment to do them—I find a yoga mat is sufficient, but you might want to use a rolled-up towel for extra cushioning under your knees.