Increasing Hip and Lumbar Flexibility

[SCStrong]

Hip and lower back flexibility can severely limit squat depth (Along with everything else we do) ...... So, what exercises will increase flexibility in these areas? I assume that more squats eventually equals better, deeper squats but what else can be done?? Thoughts?

[Paradox]

There's an absolute TON over at MobilityWOD

I'm not a fan of the thought of having a flexibile lower back. It should be tight, it's meant to be upright. Others will probably disagree, and I'm not sure what KStarr thinks about it (honestly never looked into low back, I've never had issues).

As for hips, some of the ones I like are banded scissor/lunge position for anterior hip capsule, exploring the depths and regions around a front foot elevated jerk position, and a few others. More squats will definitely help you become more mobile for that specific movement.

[SCStrong]

I cannot speak for all, but for me, my lack of lower back flexibility is beyond " just being tight". I agree a loose (i.e. weak and soft ) anything is not good. But, my lower back has gotten to the point it is limiting my activities - Chronic inflexibility. Something needs to give. I know, I know, JUST SQUAT MORE, right?

[SCStrong]

Originally Posted by Paradox

There's an absolute TON over at MobilityWOD
.

Thanks

[bruteforce]

Is it your back and hips for sure? It could be, but I know I thought my hips were awful until I worked on ankle mobility and pushing my knees out at the bottom of the squat. Fixed most everything;

[Bill]

Originally Posted by bruteforce

Is it your back and hips for sure? It could be, but I know I thought my hips were awful until I worked on ankle mobility and pushing my knees out at the bottom of the squat. Fixed most everything;

THIS!!!

[Paradox]

I'd like to third what bruteforce said. Over at mwod, Kelly Starrett (and others, I'm sure) like's to say we're a system of systems. Often, low back pain is a hip issue, hip issue a knee issue, knee issue an ankle issue, or any combination of all of these and other areas.

Squatting more builds a very specific mobility. It builds the exact same motion as the squat. So if that's not what you're looking for, squatting more probably (it might) won't help.

Edit: Grammar. Why am I awful at typing on forums?

[SCStrong]

Originally Posted by bruteforce

Is it your back and hips for sure? It could be, but I know I thought my hips were awful until I worked on ankle mobility and pushing my knees out at the bottom of the squat. Fixed most everything;

I sit a lot!! ( Job related ) so I know that my back and hips ( really, my entire pelvic girdle) are tight .... but I probably need ankle and knee work too. I will start a separate thread for that one.

Like many, I train 4 to 5 days a week 1 to 1.5 hrs a day but that seems to do little to offset the 8 to 10 hours I have to spend sitting down. I have been considering using rest days just for stretching and mobility work- hence, the reason I asked the original question. Need to get on the "right path"

[BendtheBar]

Sometimes guys are just squatting too wide for their own good. This is hard on the hips.

[Paradox]

Also, here's what comes up when you search Lumbar on mwod: Lumbar | Mobility WOD

A few videos to watch, and often about hips.