The “couch stretch” may not be as comfortable as the name would suggest, but it’s a great way to open up your hips and reduce tension in your back after a long day spent sitting at your desk.
Besides, it only takes four minutes.
Related: 5 Stretches You Should Do While You’re Watching TV
When the front of your hips and quads become tight, you increase your anterior pelvic load (the amount of weight placed on the front of your pelvis), which puts unnecessary strain on your back, says mobility expert Kelly Starrett, author of Becoming a Supple Leopard and creator of MobilityWOD.com.
Watch the video above to see Starrett demonstrate the couch stretch, then set a reminder to try it when you get home from work today—before you stretch out on the couch.
