What alignment cue helps target inner thigh stretches without rounding the back in the butterfly stretch?

What alignment cue helps target inner thigh stretches without rounding the back in the butterfly stretch?

• A. Sit tall with a neutral spine, hinge at the hips rather than rounding, knees out to the sides, and avoid collapsing the chest.
• B. Round the back to reach farther.
• C. Keep the back straight and arches in the lower back.
• D. Tuck the pelvis to decrease hip abduction.

Answer: (B)

To target the inner thighs safely in the butterfly stretch, keep your spine long and hinge from the hips rather than letting the torso slump forward. Sit tall with a neutral spine, gently press the knees outward, and keep the chest lifted so you maintain length through the spine as you let the hips open. This alignment allows the inner thigh muscles to lengthen and stretch without compromising the low back. Rounding the back to reach farther shifts effort away from the inner thighs and places unnecessary load on the lower back, which not only reduces the effectiveness of the stretch but can cause discomfort. Maintaining a tall posture with a neutral spine, a light hip hinge, and an open chest is the cue that most safely and effectively targets the desired muscles in this position.

To target the inner thighs safely in the butterfly stretch, keep your spine long and hinge from the hips rather than letting the torso slump forward. Sit tall with a neutral spine, gently press the knees outward, and keep the chest lifted so you maintain length through the spine as you let the hips open. This alignment allows the inner thigh muscles to lengthen and stretch without compromising the low back. Rounding the back to reach farther shifts effort away from the inner thighs and places unnecessary load on the lower back, which not only reduces the effectiveness of the stretch but can cause discomfort. Maintaining a tall posture with a neutral spine, a light hip hinge, and an open chest is the cue that most safely and effectively targets the desired muscles in this position.