Since starting the paleo diet I've been more in tune with my body. It might sound strange but for some reason I can feel anything that's off. I can also feel anything that's limiting.
Recently I noticed that the left side of my body is more flexible that my right. I can sink lower in lunges and my right side determines how low I can get into a squat. I talked to my trainer about it and he recommended stretching a few times a day and holding stretches for at least 30 seconds. I'm so bad. I never ever stretch. Seriously, not before or after a workout.
I've been doing this set of stretches about two or three times a day and have noticed a dramatic difference in my workouts. I am starting to balance out on both sides. I hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds if not longer if I have time. These are the specific order I do them in and it flows pretty nicely. These aren't technical names. They are just what I call them and I know my form isn't perfect. Practice makes perfect!
Forward fold
Walk out into plank- I hold plank for 30 seconds just for the calf stretch
Downward dog
Cobra
Child's pose
Hip flexor- both sides 30 seconds
Hamstring- each side 30 seconds
Butterfly
Taking these pictures was hilarious.
My kids didn't know what was going on!
What would you add or change? How often do you stretch?
6 comments:
Hip flexor is one of my favorites. I've been trying to stretch at least a little after I run. Forward fold with a wide stance is also one of my go-to stretches. I also squat with toes pointed out at an angle and press my elbows against my knees...great inner thigh stretch.
P.s. the pics are great :)
Good ones! Love the squat idea!
oh my gosh I am HORRRIBLE at stretching too. Occasionally, well rarely, I will stretch for like 1 minute after a tougher run. I have done yoga a couple times lately and I am liking it since I get my workout and stretching done at the same time. I need to get better about stretching because I am just asking for an injury!
I love all these stretches . . . I've been pretty diligent about stretching, but I wish I spent more time on it. I really like stretching my lower back, so I would add doing plow pose (from yoga). I love it, and try to do it for about 1 minute every day.
Girl, can you come to my house and stretch with me? I'm so tight, I need to make more time for this.
I'm really impressed you managed to take these pictures with a self-timer! Great post :)
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