Hip Flexors
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The 4 major hip flexors — iliopsoas, rectus femoris, tensor fascia lata, sartorius — plus secondary flexors.
Detail
The hip flexors comprise 4 major muscle groups:
- Iliopsoas
- Rectus Femoris
- Tensor Fascia Lata
- Sartorius (longest muscle in the body)
Secondary flexors are the pectineus, adductor longus, adductor magnus, and gracilis muscles (Yessis, 1992). Per source, these secondary flexors contribute to hip flexion only to between 40 and 50 degrees. Training exercises listed for the hip flexors are hip flexions and reverse crunches.
Key facts
- 4 primary hip flexors: iliopsoas, rectus femoris, tensor fascia lata, sartorius.
- Secondary flexors: pectineus, adductor longus, adductor magnus, gracilis.
- Secondary flexors contribute only to between 40–50° of hip flexion.
- Exercises: hip flexions, reverse crunches.
Connections
- Iliopsoas — primary hip flexor.
- Rectus Femoris — 2-joint hip flexor / knee extensor.
- Tensor Fascia Lata — hip flexor / abductor / medial rotator.
- Sartorius — longest muscle; hip flexor.
- Hip Flexion / Reverse Crunches — training exercises.
Sources
Keep this lesson, or ask how it applies to you.
Educational content only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for individualized guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy, or medical conditions.