Before you begin the outer hip stretch, warm up the back by performing a short series of back twists, and by slowly reaching over toward your toes and holding the position for several seconds. Warming up the back prior to stretching can help to prevent muscle strains and injury sustained during the series.c

Begin the stretch by positioning yourself flat on your back on the floor. Bend the right knee, and cross the right foot over the left knee. Using your left hand, gently pull the right knee across the body. Once a comfortable stretch has be achieved, hold the position for 20 seconds, before releasing and returning to the resting position.c c

If you cannot comfortably complete the outer hip stretch while on the floor, you can complete the exercise standing up in the Standing Outer Hip Stretch. This stretch is done by standing with the feet crossed, stretched one behind the other. Then, reaching up and over your head, leaning toward the opposite side of the body, and holding this position for several seconds.c c