If you can’t sit cross-legged, you probably have some tight muscles limiting your movement. “Instead of forcing the position, focus on improving hip mobility through slow, controlled Pilates movements,” suggests Nicolle Lopez-Lamberty, a Pilates instructor and the founder of NuPilates. She recommends doing these five beginner-friendly exercises to stretch and strengthen your hip flexors, glutes, inner thighs and deep hip stabilizers. Latest Videos FromFit&Well “With consistent practice, you’ll notice it’s easier to sit cross-legged, along with improvements in everyday movements like walking, climbing stairs and getting up from the floor,” she says. The exercises “While performing these hip-opening exercises two to three times per week will help improve mobility, practicing them daily is the most effective way to increase flexibility and restore healthy movement,” says Lopez-Lamberty. You may like Supine figure four Butterfly Half-kneeling hip flexor stretch Happy baby High-knee psoas hold 1. Supine figure four (Image credit: Nicolle Lopez-Lamberty) Sets: 2-3 Hold: 30-60sec each side Muscles targeted: Glutes and external hip rotators Start your week with achievable workout ideas, health tips and wellbeing advice …