Lying Figure Four
Use Lying Figure Four as a mobility drill for full body to improve range and movement quality in Flexor.
Overview
Lying Figure Four is a beginner mobility exercise on Flexor that mobilizes the it band, hips and lower back. A controlled mobility drill for the body to improve range and movement quality.
What Lying Figure Four targets
It focuses on the it band, hips and lower back, so that's where the work is felt.
Why add Lying Figure Four to your routine
Improves movement quality and control through the it band, hips and lower back. Done regularly, small comfortable reps add up faster than occasional forced ones.
- Supports flexibility and reduces perceived stiffness when practised consistently.
- Supports overall mobility, coordination, and movement confidence.
- A beginner-friendly movement you can repeat with no equipment.
Who it's for
It suits newcomers and anyone easing back into movement.
When to do it
Fit it into a warm-up, a cool-down, or a standalone mobility break whenever the area feels tight. Most people spend around 60 seconds on it.
Lying Figure Four is a mobility exercise designed to improve comfortable range-of-motion in multiple areas. Work in a comfortable range and avoid sharp pain; slow, steady breathing helps you stay relaxed and controlled.
Setup cue
Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift the bottom leg and clasp hands behind the thigh, gently pulling the legs toward your chest.
Practice notes
In Flexor, Lying Figure Four is typically prescribed as about 1 min per round, 1 rep, and 1 set. Adjust the dosage to what feels sustainable, breathe steadily, and ease off if anything feels sharp or unsafe.
Guidance
How to perform, tips, mistakes, safety notes, and benefits for Lying Figure Four.
Follow these cues in order. Move with control and stay in a comfortable range.
- Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Cross one ankle over the opposite thigh just above the knee—keep it smooth.
- Lift the bottom leg and clasp hands behind the thigh, gently pulling the legs toward your chest.
Cues that help the movement stay smoother and more controlled.
- Relax your head and shoulders on the floor.
- Maintain your lower back pressing gently into the mat.
Patterns to watch for so the shape stays clearer.
- Rushing the movement or chasing range instead of staying controlled.
- Letting the lower back arch or the shoulders shrug up toward the ears.
- Holding your breath—use steady breathing to keep tension down.
Keep things comfortable and stop if something feels wrong.
- Stop if you feel sharp pain, numbness, tingling, dizziness, or symptoms that radiate.
- Stay within a comfortable range—aim for mild tension, not pain.
- Move with control; avoid bouncing or jerking into end range.
Why people include this movement in their practice.
- Improves movement quality and control through the it band, hips and lower back.
- Supports flexibility and reduces perceived stiffness when practised consistently.
- Supports overall mobility, coordination, and movement confidence.
Similar movements to explore next
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Leaning Figure Four
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Seated Figure Four
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Bird Dog
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Bridge
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Cat Cow
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Cross Leg Fold
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Downward Dog
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Figure Four Twist
Use Figure Four Twist as a mobility drill for full body to improve range and movement quality in Flexor.
Common questions
Which body areas does Lying Figure Four target?
Lying Figure Four is a movement that mainly targets your it band, hips, and lower back. Move within a comfortable range and skip it if it does not feel suitable for you.
Is Lying Figure Four suitable for beginners?
Lying Figure Four is listed as beginner in Flexor. Choose a smaller range of motion, fewer repetitions, or an easier variation whenever you want more control.
How long should you hold Lying Figure Four?
In Flexor, Lying Figure Four runs for about 1 min per round. Adjust the time to what feels sustainable, breathe steadily, and ease off sooner if anything feels sharp.
How do you do Lying Figure Four?
Lying Figure Four has 3 guided steps. Follow them in order on this page, breathe steadily, and keep the movement smooth and within a comfortable range. Stop if anything feels sharp, unstable, or unsafe for you.
Which Flexor routines include Lying Figure Four?
Lying Figure Four appears in guided Flexor sessions such as Drift to Sleep, Lower-Back Comfort Reset, Lower Back Comfort, and Shield Your Spine. Open a routine page to follow the full sequence, or practise this movement on its own from this guide.
Is this medical advice?
No. Flexor provides general fitness and wellness guidance. It does not diagnose, treat, or prevent medical conditions. Speak with a qualified professional about injuries, persistent pain, or health concerns.
