IT Band and Glute Stretch

What it is

This exercise is a static stretch designed to release tension along the side of your hip and outer thigh. You will primarily target your hip abductor muscles, specifically stretching the iliotibial band and gluteal muscles. This helps improve flexibility and reduce tightness in those areas.

Technique tips

• Keep your extended leg straight throughout the movement.
• Use the band to gently pull your toes toward your body.
• Do not allow your stretching foot to touch the floor.
• Focus on slow, deep breaths to aid muscle release.
• You should feel the stretch along your outer hip and thigh.
• Avoid any sharp pain; ease off if needed.

How to track your progress

Log the hold time of each set. Straddly keeps your best hold for this exercise and tells you when you beat it, so a two-second gain does not go unnoticed.