| Everyone needs to stretch!! Young, old, athletes, sedentary and everyone between!! Our bodies conform to the movements we repeat. Our muscles tighten up in areas we over work or loosen to compensate for other tight areas. As we sit at a desk all day long, our hamstrings (back of the thigh) and our hip flexors (front of the hip) become tight. These are the areas that are contracted all day long as we sit. We need to stretch those areas to ensure that we are not over compensating with our backs. They will start to round and put pressure on your upper and lower back. These areas need to be strengthen. Runners and cyclist are moving in a repetitive forward motion sometimes for over an hour to 2 hours at a time. Some even more. Our IT Band or Iliotibia band becomes tight and inflamed as the
Gracilis and Sartorius (inner thigh muscles) become lose. This Runner's or Cyclist Knee is caused by over use and not strengthening the opposing muscles.
As we age, our hips and glutes become tight as well. In this case, our bodies need to stretch them to prevent other injuries. Other benefits of stretching: Relieves pain Increases energy levels Increases flexibility Give you better range of motion of the joints Increased circulation of blood to various parts of the body Relieves stress and increases relaxation Can enhance coordination Improves structural and muscular posture Makes you feel better! Here are a few of the basic stretches you can start with.  |
| IT Band and Back |
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| Groin, Inner thigh, Glutes |
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| Quads, Hip Flexors |
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| Hamstrings, Lower Back |
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| Glutes, Piriformis Hip Flexors |
Written by Michelle Rotell
owner: Sweat Cardio and Yoga
Check out our full class schedule at www.sweatcardio.com
