Fit for all levels of flexibility, the figure-4 stretch is a great pre-workout hip opener but also fits easily within your daily routine to rid your body of workday irritation. Here’s how to do the stretch effectively as demonstrated by certified Pilates instructor Helen Phelan, as well as a modification to practice at your desk for improved flexibility as you release negative emotions. While you get a deeper stretch doing this pose from a prone position, there are also a number of variations, like standing. If you’re doing this stretch in a standing position, it’s important to brace your core in order to maintain balance and ensure you’re engaging your entire body. In single-leg movements, it’s common to lose balance when focusing on digging deeper into your flexibility, but holding your body taut will allow you to open the hips without tipping over. Stretching at the office or your desk doesn’t have to be a big production, and a figure-4 can actually be done from your chair to open the hips and release undue tension throughout the day.
