The quadriceps — the group of four muscles on the front of your thigh — make up some of the strongest muscles in your body. Quads are the primary mover in any bent-leg activity, including cycling, hiking, climbing stairs, and running. But they also get worked in many yoga poses, like Warrior I and II (Virabhadrasana I and II), Extended Side Angle Pose (Parsvakonasana), and Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana).

Standing Thigh Stretch lengthens and adds flexibility to these powerhouse muscles. It's a great pose to practice after standing yoga postures. It also helps prepare the body for poses that require mobile hip flexors (front hip joints) and quadriceps, such as King Dancer (Natarajasana), Camel Pose (Ustrasana), and Hero Pose (Virasana).

Be sure to warm up your legs before practicing this pose. Stretching your quads when the muscles are cold can lead to strained knees and deep muscle tears! Some good warm-ups include the sequence of Sun Salutation C (Surya Namaskara C), followed by Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana).

Benefits of Standing Thigh Stretch

Standing Thigh Stretch improves flexibility in the quadriceps and hip flexors. It also helps release tension in the lower back and hips. This pose soothes stiffness in the spine and legs, and improves posture. It also tones the abdominal muscles.

While it's important to keep your quadriceps strong, it's equally important to keep them flexible! Regularly stretching your quads will prevent them from becoming short and tight, a condition that limits your range of motion. Keeping your thighs and hip flexors mobile reduces your chance of injury, while also preventing post-workout soreness. Since the human body works holistically (as an integrated system), flexible quads and hip flexors also help prevent knee, hip, and lower-back pain.

Cautions

If you have a knee injury or arthritis, only attempt this pose under the guidance of an experienced and knowledgeable instructor. Always work within your own range of limits and abilities. If you have any medical concerns, talk with your doctor before practicing yoga.

Instructions

1. Begin by standing in Mountain Pose (Tadasana) with your feet together and your arms at your sides.
2. Shift your weight onto your left foot.
3. Bend your right knee and bring your right heel toward your right buttock. Reach your right hand down and clasp your right ankle. Relax your left hand at your side or place it on your left hip if you need help with balancing.
   • If it is still difficult to balance, rest your left hand along a wall, chair, or other stationary object.
4. Draw your right hip slightly forward and your knee slightly back. Work to align your right knee directly under your right hip, while keeping your right and left hips in line with each other. Keep your knees close together; do not let your right knee splay open to the side.
5. Stand up straight. Draw your abdominal muscles in and up; do not arch your back. Keep your shoulders relaxed.
6. Hold for up to 30 seconds.
7. To release, gently let go of your ankle and step your right foot to the floor. Return to Mountain Pose. Repeat the pose on the opposite side for the same length of time.

Modifications & Variations

Standing Thigh Stretch can open up the front side of your lower body when done in correct alignment. It's important to come into the pose slowly. Using props as needed, make whatever modifications you need to feel safe and supported as you gain flexibility. Try these simple changes to find a variation of the pose that works best for you:

• If you can't hold onto your ankle or foot, use a strap. Wrap a yoga strap around the top of your foot, then bend your knee and come into the pose. Hold onto both ends of the strap with your same-side hand.
• If it's difficult to balance, rest your free hand on a wall, chair, or any other stable object.
• If you are prone to lower back pain, try this pose while lying on your side. Bend your top knee and bring your heel to your same-side buttock. Then clasp your ankle.
• For a deeper stretch, hold your ankle with the opposite hand. For example, if your right ankle is raised, reach your left hand behind your body and hold onto your right ankle or foot.

Tips

Practicing Standing Thigh Stretch correctly and regularly will benefit your whole body! Keep the following information in mind when practicing this pose:

• Be very careful not to strain your bent knee. If you feel any pinching or jarring pain, immediately back out of the pose.
• Keep your thighs aligned and your hips facing forward. Make sure your bent knee does not splay open to the side.
• Keep the knee and toes of your standing leg facing directly forward.
• Firm the muscles of your standing leg, but do not lock your knee.
• Do not bounce in the pose. Doing so can over-strain your knees and hip flexors.
• Lengthen the front of your torso and keep your spine long, not rounded.
• Avoid jerking, pulling, pushing, or forcing any movement in this pose. Let your movements be slow and smooth.

Move with Freedom

Regularly practicing Standing Thigh Stretch will gradually result in greater flexibility and strength. As you become more comfortable in the pose, you may also notice improved posture and stronger core muscles! Be sure to use whatever modifications and props you need to feel secure in the pose. With time, the range of motion in your thighs and hips will improve, adding grace and poise to your everyday movements!