Stretches you Should be Doing

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A daily stretching routine is key to improved posture, performance, staying injury free, and living a stress free and healthy life. Here is one stretch that I have been using the past couple months with my clients who have tight hip muscles, lack of internal rotation, piriformis syndrome, or any kind of low back pain. I have never seen this particular stretch performed this way before as most people do a similar stretch on the ground, however I don’t want to take all the credit : ). Funny story I “discovered” this stretch in bed one night when I was on the phone with my feet up in the air and I needed to stretch my legs. Don’t judge me, just try it out.

Worlds Greatest Glute Stretch

Some reasons why I like this stretch over the ones you may see people do in other fitness gyms, or from other trainers are listed below.

• Allows your back to stay neutral throughout the stretch thus preventing lumbar rounding and keeping the stretch on the necessary muscle groups.
• Allows a passive stretch which is great for when you are tired after your workout and don’t want to worry about keeping balance or holding any of your body parts in the proper position. Takes the mental and energy demand away from the stretch which is great for relaxation and recovery.
• Variable for all body leverages and types and allows a great stretch regardless of level of flexibility. If you want more of a stretch get your hips closer to the wall, if you want less of a stretch move away.

Some other great stretches are shown here for the glute and hip musculature….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I do think you need multiple stretches for muscle groups because one stretch will not be enough to hit all orientations of the fibers, as well as all the smaller muscles of the hip, like the Gemellus, Obturator Externus, and all three Gluteus muscles. Just take a look at the anatomy. Although this is not as detailed, appreciate all the different fiber orientations and muscle groups that may need to be stretched.

 

I have found the Worlds Greatest Glute stretch to be particular effective in stretching the appropriate muscle groups  and encourage you to try it out and add it to your routine. Happy Friday!