Stretches For Inner Thighs
Are Your Inner Thighs and Groins Always Tight?
Sometimes we think stretching is the answer to groin pain and inner thigh tightness. But often, we need more than stretching, so let’s rethink our approach and add a targeted strength move to help with that groin pain and inner thigh tightness.
Why Stretching Alone May Not Work
When we experience groin pain, we rush to stretch MORE, especially if we've been told that stretching or yoga will fix the tightness and pain. However, if you've been stretching your inner thighs and groin muscles without relief, it's time to reconsider your strategy.
Understanding Groin Pain
Persistent groin pain lasting a month or longer can indicate deeper issues. Factors such as early-stage hip arthritis, muscle imbalances, and weak adductor muscles can all contribute to discomfort in the groin area. It's essential to approach groin pain with an exercise plan that includes both stretching and strengthening.
I have found that most new students have been focusing too much on inner thigh STRETCHES and not enough on inner thigh STRENGTHENING.
The Limitations of Inner Thigh Stretches
Many believe that more stretching is the answer when experiencing tightness or pain. We've been told that inner thigh stretches or yoga will fix the discomfort in our adductor muscles. But simple stretching is not enough because stretching doesn’t get us stronger. And often, the tightness we feel is an indication of weakness.
The Power of Strengthening Adductors
Instead of relying solely on inner thigh stretches, focusing on strengthening the adductor muscles can be more effective. These muscles play a vital role in hip stability and movement support. Strengthening the adductor muscles, particularly the adductor longus, can help alleviate groin pain more effectively than stretching alone.
Try This Simple Exercise
Try this simple yet effective exercise, which uses a folded blanket or an exercise ball, to help alleviate groin pain and inner thigh tightness.
For step-by-step instructions, please see this video:
Get Smart About Your Exercise
Try this exercise at home by following the video and reach out via that chat box if you have any questions about how to make YOUR exercise program more useful and usable for you
We do this exercise and many others in our online programs and at our in-person Yoga and Strength classes in Pacifica, California. In our classes, the goal is always to adapt and adjust exercises so that they work for you.