Stretching exercises are used in injury prevention, injury rehabilitation, preparation (warm up) for exercise, and for recovery after exercise. Here is a simple stretch for the quadriceps muscles (on the front of the leg)

Muscles Stretched: quadriceps

lying quad stretchDescription

  1. Lie on your side with the lower arm extended and head resting on it. Your thighs should be side by side.
  2. Contract the abdominals to stabilize the pelvis
  3. Bring the uppermost ankle back towards the buttocks.
  4. Reach back with the free hand and grab hold of your ankle (keeping the leg parallel to the ground).
  5. Press your hip forward and slightly extend the hip.
  6. Get to the point of a mild stretch and hold.
  7. Repeat for each leg

Notes

  • Use a towel wrapped around your foot if you can't reach your foot comfortably.