Tight hip flexors can be an annoying sensation for many lifters. From interfering with squats and deadlifts, to limiting comfort during simple tasks such as walking, tight hip flexors should be addressed...but how?
What Does "Tight" Even Mean?
Before we come up with a solution for hip flexor tightness, we need to know if they are actually "tight". And before we know if they are "tight", we must define what "tight" even means!
In a general sense, tightness is a perceived sensation of a muscle feeling short or stiff; however, many times, that muscle is not even physiologically short.
In this case, the nervous system is just keeping the hip flexors in a state of increased tone...so they "feel" tight. This scenario, in my experience, accounts for the majority of lifters who suffer from tight hip flexors.
Are Your Hip Flexors Really "Tight"?
The Thomas Test is traditionally used to determine hip flexor tightness. To perform, sit on the edge of a table, pull one leg to your chest, then lie back. If your other leg remains flat on the table and your knee can bend to 70-90°, congratulations...you DON'T have tight hip flexors!
If you can do this...you don't have tight hip flexors!
Why Do Your Hip Flexors "Feel" Tight?
Did you think you had tight hip flexors? Have you been stretching them repeatedly only to find out after performing the Thomas Test that they aren't really tight?? Are you now wondering why your hip flexors feel tight all the time? Here are a few reasons.
Because you won't stop stretching them. Many people who have consistent hip flexor tightness would be a lot better off if they just stopped stretching them. Performing stretching for hip flexors only provides temporary relief, giving just a small window of comfort. And guess what? The more you stretch them, the shorter that window of relief becomes, until you're at the point where you're stretching them multiple times a day for a long duration just to feel good! That's no way to live!
Because you have weak hip flexors. What happens to a muscle when you repeatedly stretch it but never actually contract it and load it? It weakens. Sensitized muscles don't like being stretched. It's like putting your fingers in a Chinese finger trap, pulling over and over again, and thinking it will solve things...it doesn't.
As much as I'm a fan of squats, deadlifts, cleans, and lunges, none of these exercises actually strengthen the hip flexors into their shortened position (above 90°). Here are some exercises you can try to strengthen your hip flexors.
Hip Flexor Strengthening Exercises
The supine hip flexor march is a great exercise to strengthen the hip flexors. You may notice that the affected leg (the one that hurts during squats) may be significantly more difficult than your other leg. This is normal...and this is why you need this exercise!
The standing hip flexor march is also another great variation. These are more difficult than the supine variation, as the hip flexors have to contract against the band and gravity.
Conclusion
Hip discomfort during your workouts isn't fun. Whether you're having hip pain during squats, or hip flexor tightness during your regular activities, something needs to be addressed!
If stretching hasn't resolved your hip flexor tightness...maybe it's because your not "tight" after all. Cut the endless amount of hip flexor stretching and work on strengthening your hip flexors instead!
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