Why Figure 4 Stretch Can Offer Your Hips the Relief They're Craving

Maybe you're stretching after completing a run or moving through a series of yoga poses when your instructor cues you into it: Pigeon Pose. Known as Eka Pada Rajakapotasana in Sanskrit, this hip opener is beloved by some and detested by others. If you fall into the latter camp, you need not grin and bear it through the discomfort. Instead, ease yourself into figure 4 stretch.

Figure 4 Stretch: The Basics

Figure 4 targets your hips and glutes. If you work an office job—or just spend a lot of the day on your couch—consider adding this deep stretch to your recovery regimen.

“[Figure 4] can be beneficial to nearly anyone, but specifically people that sit for long periods,” says Denis Morton, a Peloton instructor. This stretch can help relieve or prevent stiffness and discomfort in your hips, lower back, and legs, as well as potentially alleviate sciatic pain, he says.

Benefits of the Figure 4 Stretch

There are several physical benefits of figure 4 stretch, including:

It’s also a great stretch to even out both sides of your body. “Usually, you will have one side that is tighter than the other,” says Sherri Betz, a Louisiana-based physical therapist and spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association. “With figure 4, you can focus on the tighter side to bring your hips into better balance and function.” 

Beyond the physical benefits, incorporating this stretch into your exercise agenda can help support your mental health. Different types of activities qualify as stretching, including static holds (isolated and still), dynamic movements (involving some sort of motion), and foam rolling, Betz says. Since figure 4 stretch is a static position, it can be held for a longer period of time.

“Taking time to focus on our bodies and do gentle movements can help reduce stress, especially by loosening any tight or tender areas,” she says. “This is especially important if you have an injury, which can sometimes feel like an emotionally-isolating experience.”

If you have sciatica, lower back pain, or any other injuries, “the psychological benefit of relief from physical discomfort can be invaluable,” Denis says. (Just make sure your ailments don’t affect your ability to properly practice the stretch.)

If you are experiencing pain of any kind, consult with a physical therapist or fitness professional before adding figure 4 or any new stretches to your training program. They’ll be able to tell you if this stretch is advised for you based on any existing symptoms or conditions, as well as provide modifications and additional treatment plans to help you reach your goals.

How to Do Figure 4 Stretch

You can easily perform figure 4 stretch at home, according to Peloton instructor Kristin McGee. All you need? A mat or padded area on the floor, a few minutes, and some space. Here, Denis and Kristin walk us through how to practice this stretch. 

Variations of Figure 4 Stretch

Besides the classic figure 4 position, there are a handful of other alternatives you can try to deepen or modify this stretch.

With Your Foot on the Floor

To make the stretch easier, rather than elevating the base leg to stretch the opposite foot, keep that foot on the floor with your knee bent. “Just press the top of the thigh forward,” Kristin says, to feel a mild stretch.

Seated Figure 4 Stretch

You can also opt to try this pose while seated. Sit up tall—on the ground or in a chair without wheels. Place an equal amount of weight on both sides of your glutes. Cross your right shin over your left thigh. Without allowing your pelvis to roll backward, gently grasp your left shin with your hands to sit up taller. To deepen the stretch, hinge forward slightly at the hips.

“You will clearly feel the outer hip stretch—and will likely understand why sitting in a slouched posture can lead to hip tightness,” Betz says. 

Against a Wall

To come into this variation, follow the same steps as the original figure 4 stretch, but place your feet against a wall instead of the floor. (Keep your knees bent and aim to position your glutes about 1 ½ to 2 feet away from the base of the wall.) Cross your right angle over your left shin. To deepen the stretch, grasp the back of your left thigh to bring both legs closer to you and lift your foot off the wall. Use your forearm to gently press against your hip and keep it in an externally rotated position, Betz says.

Standing Figure 4 Stretch

Another way to up the ante: Try a standing figure 4 stretch. This variation will “require a great deal of strength, focus, and balance,” Denis says. Place your feet hip-width apart. Keep your core engaged and your shoulders back. Slowly lift your right foot off the ground and transfer your weight to your left foot. Place your right ankle just above your left knee to make a “4” shape. Slowly lower your hips down, aiming for about a 90-degree bend in the left knee if your flexibility allows for it. If needed, hold onto a secured table or counter for balance.

Common Mistakes People Make with This Stretch

Since this stretch resembles a seated position many of us do on autopilot, you may feel comfortable and confident when practicing it. However, that doesn’t make it something you should gloss over or rush through. Try to avoid these common mistakes as you practice it: