Mobility & Stretching for Runners

    Deep Hip Rotators: Active Piriformis Stretch for Runners

    James DunneUpdated March 2026

    I've had a couple of days this week with a lot of time spent in the car, and my hips really suffer for it! Like many runners, I tend to get particularly tight through Piriformis, deep rotator muscles of the hips.

    I recorded the video above while having lunch in the park with Holly today, to demonstrate a dynamic variation of the Pigeon Pose. This is a stretch which will be familiar to many of those who have practised yoga. Simple yet effective, it has proven to work wonders for my own hips and is great for targeting those often troublesome Piriformis muscles.

    Want to get stronger and prevent running injuries?

    James Dunne
    James Dunne

    Having trained as a sports rehabilitation therapist, James now works exclusively with distance runners, helping athletes from beginner to pro to run stronger and pain free. Formerly a professional rugby player, James' transition into distance running has taught him what his body is capable of, a process which is ongoing!

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