How to Do Side Lying Groin Stretch
Start and end of one clean rep of Side Lying Groin Stretch.
Quick facts
| Primary muscle | Quads |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | Hamstrings |
| Equipment | Bodyweight |
| Category | Stretching |
How to perform Side Lying Groin Stretch
- Start off by lying on your right side and bend your right knee in front of you to stabilize the torso.
- Rest your head on your right hand or shoulder. Lift your left leg upward and hold it by the back of the knee (easier) or the foot (harder).
- Pull your left knee in toward your left shoulder and simultaneously press your foot or knee down to the floor. To intensify this stretch, straighten your left leg. Switch sides.
Muscles worked
- Quads (primary): extends the knee to drive squats, lunges and jumps.
- Hamstrings (secondary): bends the knee and extends the hip through hinges and pulls.
Sets & reps by goal
| Goal | Sets × reps | Load | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3–5 × 3–5 | Heavy (~85%+) | 2–3 min |
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 × 8–12 | Moderate (~65–75%) | 60–90 s |
| Endurance | 2–3 × 15–20 | Lighter (~50–60%) | 30–45 s |
As a mobility drill, hold each position for 20–40 seconds (or move slowly for reps) rather than training it to a heavy load.
Form tips
- Keep the knees tracking in line with the toes and push the whole foot into the floor.
- Own the largest range you can control with clean form before you chase extra reps.
- Ease in until you feel mild tension, never pain, and breathe out as you sink a little deeper.
- Warm up the pattern with a couple of lighter, submaximal sets before your working sets.
Common mistakes
- Letting the knees cave inward as you push out of the bottom.
- Cutting the range short to squeeze out extra reps instead of owning each full one.
- Bouncing into the stretch instead of holding it steadily.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Side Lying Groin Stretch work?
Side Lying Groin Stretch mainly works the quads, with the hamstrings helping as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for Side Lying Groin Stretch?
None — Side Lying Groin Stretch is a bodyweight movement, so you only need your bodyweight and a little space.
How many sets and reps should I do for Side Lying Groin Stretch?
It depends on your goal: about 3–5 sets of 3–5 heavy reps for strength, 3–4 sets of 8–12 for muscle growth, or 2–3 sets of 15–20 for endurance. As a mobility drill, hold each position for 20–40 seconds (or move slowly for reps) rather than training it to a heavy load.
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