Stretching your body every day has it’s benefits. You will find your flexibility increase and the amount of injuries or pulled muscles you usually experience don’t seem to occur as often. Here are 5 stretches Crafted PT uses to keep our bodies in good condition.
To stretch your lower back and hamstrings, a simple stretch to start with can be the sitting hamstring stretch. First, sit on the floor as you stretch out both your legs. Then, take turns bending one leg in at a time and stretching forward towards the leg that is extended. Switch sides and hold each for 30 to 45 seconds. Remember the act of stretching should not hurt! Lean forward just enough to feel a small pull in your target areas.
Using the overhead tricep stretch is a great way to stretch your triceps and lats. To execute this stretch, put one arm overhead and grasp you overhead with the opposite hand. From this position, pull your elbow back towards your head and hold for 30-45 seconds on each side.
A favorite stretch among runners is a lunge with an added quad stretch. This targets your hip flexors and quads. To successfully do this stretch, lunge forward with one knee bent over your foot and the over knee resting on the ground as you extend your back leg. Reach back and grab your back foot and pull forward to feel the stretch. Switch sides as you hold each position for 30-45 seconds.
A stretch so easy our dogs can do it! The downward dog stretch targets areas like your calves and shoulders while releasing tension in the back. To perform this stretch keep your legs straight, abs pulled in, and raise your glutes in the air. Remember to drop your head in order to straighten your spine and stretch your calves by lowering your heels close to the ground.
Just like the lunge with a quad stretch, assume a lunge position. Instead of reaching to grab your foot, bring your opposite arm over your head and slowly into the stretch. Tuck your hips by pulling in your stomach and you will feel a nice stretch in your hip flexors, quads, and obliques. Repeat on each side after holding for 30-45 seconds.
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