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The lower body is a complex network of muscles and joints, including the hips, thighs, hamstrings, glutes, quads, calves, and the all-important joints of the knees and ankles. The hips, or the hip flexors, consist of muscles like the iliopsoas and rectus femoris, which are crucial for movements like walking, running, and sitting. The hamstrings, located at the back of your thighs, help with bending your knees and extending your legs behind you. The quadriceps, at the front of your thighs, are key players in knee extension and overall leg strength.

Take a moment and recall how you felt the last time you stood up after spending hours sitting at your desk or taking a long drive. How was your posture? How did your lower back feel? This week we’re digging into how important it is to keep your hips and legs mobile and flexible. Our lower bodies house the body’s largest muscles and our hip joints are impacted by several muscles, ligaments, and tendons. For you to move your lower body––walk, dance, run, practice yoga––the hip flexors, extensors, abductors, adductors, and rotators must be strong yet supple. The pelvis needs to be stable but also mobile. Think of your lower body as the foundation to staying physically fit.