Hip extension tightness

[mytype1collagenis2tight]

Hi All,

Excited to be a part of the community. Was working my way through, first time, on the Pike series. So far on both E1 and E3 (Advanced Piriformis & Lunge Hamstring, respectively) can definitely feel the stretches in the appropriate places. However, my "back" leg is decidedly tight bilaterally with hip extension in these stretches. I feel this is another "money" area for me to work on, especially if eventually I'll want to work on front splits. Is this common? Are there other specific exercises that I should focus on for this issue with hip extension? 

Thanks and cheers!

[Kit_L]

Welcome '2tight'!

In short, yes. The best hip flexor exercises are in the Master the full back bend, but you don't need to buy that. If you go to my YouTube channel, and search on "hip flexors", you will find a long list:

https://www.youtube.com/user/KitLaughlin/search?query=hip+flexors

The practitioner version is the easiest one; the Partner hip flexor is the strongest, and in time that's the one you need. Some people, though (usually at the flexible end of the spectrum) have found the Wall hip flexor–quadriceps (by targeting both ends of rectus femoris simultaneously) yields the strongest effect.

Speaking generally, the vast majority of the population are exceedingly tight in this area; many reasons, as I am sure you are aware. And the majority of spine tension (in the back and in the neck) is caused by this incapacity to extend the hip joint (so a resulting anterior pelvic tilt). Not everyone can move like this:

 

[mytype1collagenis2tight]

Thank you @Kit_L, and with all due respect, I have the $$ so I'm purchasing whatever I feel like  

On a serious note though, I appreciate it. I'm guessing, in addition to the standard reasons (like sitting hours/day studying/working my entire adult life) I was in the seated position ice skating/rollerblading throughout my childhood/teens, which mimics the seated-lurched-over-computer position:

As such I find my ankle flexibility is better than average and my squat is very strong and deep. Very excited to break the mold!