Stretch of the Week: Knee to Chest
By JD Fields, DPT
AZOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist
Type of Stretch: Dynamic
Note: Many dynamic stretches require good balance and coordination to perform.
First, begin to march in place or while walking forward. After a few warm up marches, you should be ready. Bring your right knee up as high as you can. At the top of the march, grab your knee with both hands and pull it even higher. Hold this for 2 second and then let go. Repeat the same pattern with your left leg. Continue to repeat in a marching manner.
Why Perform This Stretch? This movement will mimic the top of a running stride or the motion of jumping off of one leg. Not only will you stretch out the posterior hip, which is an active muscle group for physical activity, but you will also positively stretch the opposite hip flexor. Additionally, this exercise will incorporate the necessary balance and muscular coordination to participate in many physical activities as well as improve blood flow to the legs.
