On-Your-Back Quad Stretch

What it is

This static stretch targets your quadriceps, the large muscles on the front of your thigh. You will lie on your back with one leg extended off a surface, gently pulling your heel towards your gluteus maximus, or glute. This action effectively lengthens the quadriceps muscle.

Technique tips

• Keep your lower back flat against the surface to avoid arching.
• Engage your core by gently pulling your navel towards your spine.
• Gently press your foot into your hand to deepen the stretch.
• For a deeper stretch, slightly lift the hip of the working leg.
• Maintain a steady, controlled breath throughout the stretch.

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.