Single Leg Straight Forward Bend

The Single Leg Straight Forward Bend is a unilateral mobility exercise that strengthens the posterior chain while stretching the hamstrings. This movement improves single-leg balance and hip stability by requiring you to hinge forward with a neutral spine.

Exercise movement reviewed by:Marie Braga, PT, DPT, CSCS
How Iridium Helps

Since this exercise requires significant balance and hamstring flexibility, your AI coach analyzes your performance feedback to determine if stability issues are limiting your progress. If you consistently report difficulty or pain with single-leg stability, the app remembers this association and may recommend supported alternatives like the Seated Forward Bend. Additionally, the system uses your daily recovery data to adjust the hold duration, ensuring you mobilize effectively without overstretching fatigued muscles.

Form Cues

Do
  • Hinge at your hips to lower your torso
  • Keep your hips square to the floor
  • Maintain a flat back and neutral spine
  • Keep a slight bend in your standing knee
  • Extend your opposite leg straight back
Don't
  • Don't round your lower back or shoulders
  • Don't lock out your standing knee
  • Don't rotate your hips open to the side
  • Don't look up and crane your neck

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding the spine
  • Opening the hips
  • Locking the standing knee
  • Rushing the movement

Muscles Worked

This exercise primarily targets the hamstrings of the standing leg, providing a deep active stretch while strengthening the muscle in a lengthened position. It also engages the erector spinae and core to maintain spinal alignment, while the glutes work to stabilize the hips during the unilateral hold.

Primary

Hamstrings

Secondary

Erector Spinae

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