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Exercises

Hip Flexion

Evidence-grounded — sourced from Fysiqal's fitness knowledge graph· 1 min read
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Machine hip-flexion movement training the four major hip flexors (iliopsoas, rectus femoris, tensor fascia lata, sartorius), also engaging the abdominals.

Detail

Hip flexion is the listed exercise for the hip flexors. The four major hip flexor muscle groups are the iliopsoas, rectus femoris, tensor fascia lata, and sartorius. Secondary flexors are the pectineus, adductor longus, adductor magnus, and gracilis (contributing to hip flexion only between roughly 40 to 50 degrees). The source lists hip flexion under the midsection group (Body Masters machine) where the abdominals/obliques are engaged. Shortening of the iliopsoas increases lumbar lordosis, so strong abdominals are needed to counter low-back strain.

Key facts

  • Primary (4 hip flexors): Iliopsoas, Rectus Femoris, Tensor Fascia Lata, Sartorius.
  • Secondary flexors: Pectineus, Adductor Longus, Adductor Magnus, Gracilis (40-50 degrees).
  • Also engages the rectus abdominus and external oblique as a midsection exercise.

Connections

  • hip-flexors — the hip flexor group.
  • iliopsoas / rectus-femoris / tensor-fascia-lata / sartorius — the four flexors.
  • hip-adductors — secondary flexors (pectineus, adductors, gracilis).
  • iliopsoas-lordosis-situp — lumbar lordosis caution.
SourceReference manual
p.64p.280p.564p.608
Cited authorities in source: Yessis (1992).
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Educational content only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for individualized guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy, or medical conditions.

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Atlas Connections

Hip Adductors
The hip adductors are the pectineus, adductor brevis, adductor longus, adductor magnus, and gracilis.
Hip Flexors
The 4 major hip flexors — iliopsoas, rectus femoris, tensor fascia lata, sartorius — plus secondary flexors.
Iliopsoas
The major hip flexor, made of the iliacus and psoas major; shortening it increases lumbar lordosis.
Rectus Abdominis
The "abs"; a long strap-like trunk flexor split into left/right halves by the linea alba.
Rectus Femoris
A 2-joint quadriceps muscle that flexes the hip and extends the knee.
Sartorius
The longest muscle in the body; a 2-joint hip flexor and adductor that also flexes and laterally rotates the knee.
Tensor Fascia Lata
A hip flexor that also abducts and medially rotates the femur, inserting via the iliotibial (IT) band.
Iliopsoas, Lumbar Lordosis & Sit-Up Lower-Back Caution
Tight hip flexors increase lumbar lordosis and low-back strain; straight-leg sit-ups and leg raises work the hip flexors and, with too much upward movement, can cause lower-back problems instead of abdominal tone.