When you're warming up or cooling down from a tough workout, you might not give your groin or inner thighs a second thought. But these muscles play important roles in maintaining balance and flexibility -- and tension in the groin can radiate to your hips and back, and throw your posture out of whack. If you're suffering through a groin strain, gentle, regular stretching can help ease tension, increase circulation and improve your recovery time.
Step 1
Warm up before stretching. You'll be more flexible and less likely to overextend a muscle or joint if you stretch with warm muscles. Five minutes of walking, cycling or jumping rope at a low pace can all help get your groin and inner thighs moving and warm.
Step 2
Stand with your toes pointed slightly outward -- 45 degrees or so. With your feet about shoulder-width apart, gradually lower your body toward the ground by bending your knees. Rotate your thighs and knees outward until you feel a stretch. If you don't have enough balance or flexibility to completely lower yourself, try squatting and then rotating your knees outward until you feel stretching. Hold for 30 seconds.
Step 3
Sit down and bend your knees, then put your feet together. Pull your feet in toward your torso with your hands until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds. This stretch not only stretches your groin and inner thighs, it can also help stretch your glutes.
Step 4
Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your right knee and slowly lean toward your right side, straightening your left leg until you feel a stretch. Hold for 10 seconds, then switch sides. This stretch can increase flexibility in your hip adductors and improve balance.
References
Writer Bio
Van Thompson is an attorney and writer. A former martial arts instructor, he holds bachelor's degrees in music and computer science from Westchester University, and a juris doctor from Georgia State University. He is the recipient of numerous writing awards, including a 2009 CALI Legal Writing Award.