Hip flexors are among the muscle groups that most of us take for granted. They move the hip forward when running and walking. We’re not even aware of them; most of us simply put one foot in front of the other without giving it a second thought. And except for sprinters, soccer players, and senior citizens, it’s probably safe to say that most of us will never suffer a hip flexor injury.
With that said, the hip flexors have recently become an important topic for those in the physical health profession. The reason? With more people than ever before using computers in school, at home, and in the workplace, many of us are doing a lot of sitting. What's worse is that a lot of us aren’t even sitting—we’re slouching. In these positions, our hip flexors get tight. Later, when we stand up, our mobility is impaired. In other words, it gets increasingly difficult for our tight hip flexors to loosen up so that we can stand, walk, or run.
But the problem doesn’t end there. Because the hip flexors work in tandem with the gluteus maximus and the abdominal muscles to support our bodies in the sitting position, these neighboring muscles can also weaken over time. The result is that years of slouching in front of a computer or television can make it difficult to sit up straight. Indeed, a person who has slouched for many years may find that he or she can no longer sit up straight without back pain.
The good news is that this problem can be easily avoided. Simple activities, such as running and walking, are good exercises for the hip flexors. Taking breaks from the computer or television to perform stretches can also help keep the hip flexors loose. Additionally, good posture while sitting ensures that the hip flexors and other neighboring muscles are properly aligned.
3
The author would most likely agree with the idea that
A.
slouching keeps the abdominal muscles and hip flexors loose.
B.
hip flexors are important for running and walking but not sitting.
C.
sitting at a computer all day can cause health problems.
D.
only athletes and senior citizens should worry about hip flexors.
1 answer
The author would most likely agree with the idea that
C. sitting at a computer all day can cause health problems.
This statement aligns with the author's discussion about how prolonged sitting and slouching can lead to tight hip flexors and weakening of related muscle groups, resulting in mobility issues and back pain.
