Gaga groin stretch

Source: Best Health magazine, May 2012; Illustration: Kagan McLeod

After doing lower-body exercises such as lunges and squats, remember to stretch the less developed muscles, says Toronto-born, L.A.-based celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak’not just the quads and glutes, but the inner thighs and groin, too. Pasternak and his clients, who include Rihanna and Lady Gaga, always do a series of stretches after their workouts, including this groin stretch. ‘It helps to improve your muscle function,’ he says.

Technique

Sit on the floor with your knees bent and the soles of your feet together. Keep good posture with your head up and your shoulders pulled back. Hold on to your feet and put your elbows inside your knees. Try to get your heels as close to your body as you comfortably can. Using your elbows, gently push your knees out. You will feel the stretch from inside your legs and up into your groin. Hold here for 20 to 30 seconds, recommends Pasternak.

This article originally appeared in the May 2012 issue of Best Health. Subscribe today to get the full Best Health experience’and never miss an issue!