Stretch of the Week: Hurdle Step Overs
By JD Fields, DPT
AZOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist
How to Perform: Begin in a standing position. While walking forward, lift one leg straight up and swing your leg as if you had to bring it over a hurdle (rotating the leg out and around). Continue walking forward and perform with the other leg. Repeat this 10 times going forward as well as 10 times going backwards.
Why Perform This Stretch: This stretch improves overall motion, specifically rotation at your hips. This rotation is especially important for all sports and exercise performed. Readying these muscles for activity by stretching and improving blood flow to these areas is important for injury prevention.
Please note: This exercise requires a good amount of balance. You can perform this stretch stationary while facing a wall or object to assist with balance. You can also just perform these going forward if backwards is too difficult to perform.
