A Better Hip Flexor Stretch: Use Your Ribcage and Breath

diaphragmatic breathing hip flexor stretch mid back mobility exercises psoas rib cage mechanics tight hips Oct 17, 2026

Hip flexor stretching is a great start, but we can't just stop at lengthening at the hip.

Bring in the ribcage and the breath

If we take the ribcage and our breath into account, we can get a way better stretch, from the deepest, most proximal area all the way to the most superficial and distal area.

The inhale helps with this. Combined with the compression of the lower front ribs, it helps create length in the mid back as well.

Why breathing makes a difference

The psoas innervates with the diaphragm, so it makes sense that breathing with the movement would make a big difference.

Give this a shot next time you need a stretch of the hip flexors and a little relief in the mid back.

Watch more

How to stretch your diaphragm video thumbnail
How to stretch your diaphragm for better 360° breathing

Keep exploring

Try my free Spinal Health in Motion course, move with me in weekly Alchemy classes, or learn the full approach in Empowered Performance.

Check out all the ways you can learn with me.

LEARN WITH ME

Get on my newsletter for all the content!

Empowered Performance: Free 5-Day Fundamentals Course

This is for coaches, therapists, movement professionals and anyone who wants to expand their understanding of human movement with an inside out approach!

The Fundamentals will cover the following topics: Breathing and Pressure Management, Pelvis and Thorax Orientation (achieving a stack), Hip Shifting, Shoulder Protraction, Co-contractions

Video Poster Image
SIGN ME UP FOR THE FREE 5 DAY FUNDAMENTALS