!8: Shop For Snow Pusher: January 2012

Monday, January 2, 2012

Stretching - Two Simple Stretches to Improve Your Posture

!±8± Stretching - Two Simple Stretches to Improve Your Posture

We are creatures of habit. We get up, go off to work and most likely sit at a desk all day. We go to the gym and do similar cardio workouts, working the same families of muscles. This can be good for our peace of mind, since there is comfort in familiarity, but can be tough on our muscles. When we do the same routine on a daily basis, we tend to develop muscle imbalances. These lead to chronic tightness in some muscle groups, and throw our posture out of alignment. This article will describe two simple stretches to target some common problem areas. Each stretch should be held for between 30 seconds and a minute, and each stretch should be repeated 3 times or more, time permitting.

Stretch 1: Split Leg Forward Bend

This stretch targets the hamstrings, which are the muscles that runs along the back of your thigh. This part of the body is chronically tight and inflexible in most people, so it extremely important to stretch. Tightness in this region throws off your hip alignment and can lead to lower back pain.

To do this stretch, stand with your feet parallel and spread about a foot wider than hip distance. Keeping care to keep your back flat, slowly lower your body down and touch the floor. Keep your legs straight and hold the stretch. If you want a deeper stretch, move your body very slowly and gently get close to one foot, then the other. Stay in this position as long as is comfortable.

Stretch 2: Frog Hip Stretch

This stretch is done on the floor. You should do this on carpet, or on a towel or a yoga mat to ensure that your legs are supported. This stretch targets your hip flexors, which are chronically tight due to sitting at a desk all day. This can lead to hip misalignment and lower back pain.

To begin this stretch, get on your knees with your knees spread wider than hip length and your lower legs pointing straight back. Slowly lower your hips toward the ground, spreading your knees wider, until you feel a stretch across your hips and inner thigh. Make sure your body is not positioned too far forward or back, position until you feel the stretch the most. Hold this stretch as long as is comfortable.

These two stretches, if done every day, should reduce strain on your lower back and help your posture through the hip. You will feel refreshed and rejuvenated afterward, and you will find yourself looking forward to your stretch every day!