Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 8 hrs ago
Hip Flexor Strength May Support Running Form and Endurance
Hip flexors are muscles at the front of the hips that connect the legs to the pelvis.
They help lift the knees, move the legs forward and support the hip joint while running.
Running coaches and personal trainers say strengthening these muscles may reduce strain on the lower back and hamstrings when weak hip flexors make other muscles compensate.
Stronger hip flexors may also support a smoother stride and help runners maintain effort for longer.
A 2018 study of 39 recreationally trained runners suggested that hip flexor exercises could improve the balance between hip flexor and hip extensor strength, which may help running economy.
The guide presents five exercises for runners, but the available details do not identify them or set out a plan for what to do next.
Hip flexor strength may help runners improve their stride efficiency and support running longer without tiring those muscles.
The hip flexors are at the front of the hips and help lift the knees and move the legs forward.
Running coaches cited in Runner’s World say strengthening them may reduce strain on the lower back and hamstrings.
A 2018 study of 39 recreationally trained runners examined the relationship between running energy cost and hip flexor and extensor strength.
- Who
- Runners, with advice from running coaches and personal trainers Erica Coviello and Karina Ripps.
- What
- The article describes potential benefits of strengthening the hip flexors and recommends exercises for runners.
- When
- Runner’s World published the article on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Stronger hip flexors may support a more efficient stride and greater muscular endurance, while reducing strain on other muscles.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A study involving 39 recreationally trained runners examined running energy cost and the balance between hip flexor and hip extensor strength.
Runner’s World published an article on hip flexor exercises for runners.
- Article outlet
- Runner’s World
- Publication date
- October 12, 2026
- Study sample
- 39 recreationally trained runners
- Study publication year
- 2018
- Main hip flexor muscles
- Iliacus and psoas major, often referred to together as the iliopsoas
What people are saying
I like to think of our hip flexors as the secret to our stride
They’re responsible for lifting your knee, moving your leg forward, and maintaining integrity of the hip joint.
Sources
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