Couch Stretch

Technique

How to perform Couch Stretch

1. Position yourself facing away from a couch, wall, or bench.
2. Place the top of your right foot up against the backrest or wall so your shin is vertical and your knee rests on the floor just in front of the base.
3. Step your left foot forward, planting it flat with the knee bent roughly 90 degrees.
4. Brace your core and level your hips, keeping your torso tall. This is your starting position.
5. Exhale as you gently drive your hips forward and squeeze your right glute, feeling a stretch along the front of your right thigh and hip flexor. Avoid overarching your lower back.
6. Hold the stretch while breathing steadily, aiming to keep your ribs down and shoulders stacked over your hips. If mobility allows, you may rise slightly by placing your hands on your front thigh for support. After the recommended duration, slowly ease out by bringing your right foot off the couch and returning to a kneeling position.
7. Switch legs and repeat the same sequence to stretch the opposite side.

Programming relevance

Muscles involved

Primary targets: Rectus Femoris.