Flexibility plays a key part to fitness and overall health. There are a lot of stretching techniques you can practice to improve your range of motion and flexibility. Below are two short stretching exercises to prepare you for the day and get a good stretch:
Hamstring Stretch
For this stretch, you are going to want to get a CanDo® Dynamic Stretch Strap. It’s a handy tool that helps you control your stretching and get a deeper stretch. To begin, lie with your back on the floor and hold the Dynamic Stretch Strap with both hands. Then, bend the right leg and place the strap across the ball of the right foot. Keeping your left leg extended on the ground. Then, slowly extend your right leg so that it is straight. Making sure there is a slight bend in the knee and that bottom of your foot is face the ceiling. Then, gently pull the strap until there is a slight tension in the hamstrings and hold that stretch for 10 to 30 seconds. Go back to starting position before switching to the left leg.
Yoga Block Back Stretch
Airex® Yoga Blocks help you enhance the stretch you get in yoga poses and other movements. This stretch in particular can help those who sit all day and relieve tightness in their hips and chest. To begin, lie on your back and slide one Airex® Yoga Block with the flat height underneath your sacrum and hips. Place your feet right underneath your knees and lift your chest toward your chin. Make sure you are keeping the back of your neck relaxed. Then, wiggle your shoulders underneath your back and take five deep breaths. You should be holding this stretch for about 10 to 30 seconds.
By incorporating at least a 5 minute daily stretch into your life, you will be able to continue to be mobile and independent. If you have not really stretched before, we recommend you start off slow and slowly build yourself up to longer stretches. If you feel any pain while stretching a muscle, please stop what you are doing and talk to your doctor.
To check out the CanDo® Dynamic Stretch Strap, click here.
To check out the Airex® Yoga Block, click here.
Article written by William Graves (Marketing Coordinator).