If you are anything like me, you like to get your workout in as efficiently as possible and then move on to the next thing. Sometimes I find it hard to make myself stop and hold stretches when so many other obligations of the day are calling me! But stretching is extremely important not just for increasing and maintaing flexibility but also for helping reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) which in layman terms means incredibly sore muscles. It also helps increase your range of motion which helps you perform your workouts better. Below are my some of my stretches for you to try. I recommend picking one to two mellow songs and making a commitment to stretch for the duration of the song(s).
Standing Stretches
Calf Stretch
Achilles Stretch
Quad Stretch
Hip Flexor Stretch
Mat Stretches
Hip Flexor Stretch
Quad Stretch
Hamstring Stretch
IT Band Stretch
Lower Back Twist
Inner Thigh Straddle Stretch
Foam Roller
I’ve included some foam roller exercises here. Foam roller is so great for sore muscles. It actually helped me with a bout of IT band syndrome. It is like a cheap massage for your muscles! Just gently roll the foam roller across the targeted area.
Target Area: IT Band
Target Area: Calves
Target Area: Quads
Target Area Back:
Readers, what are your favorite stretches?
