Stretching Should Be Your New Best Friend.

I know I have done a flexibility post before but it is just so important that I'm going to bring it again. This time I'm going to incorporate some props you can use to help deepen some basic stretches without needing a stretching buddy.

All you need is a towel, a belt or if you have a yoga strap laying around that would be ideal. Don't go out and buy anything special as it's easy to improvise and just use something lying around the house.  I am going to use a towel and show you some great stretches to increase flexibility.

The first stretch is your basic hamstring stretch.  Place the towel

around the ball of one foot. Laying on your back with the other leg straight out, pull up on the foot with the towel making your leg go perpendicular with your body. As you slowly pull your leg towards you remember to keep your other leg as straight as possible. The goal is to get your leg straight so if you need to release the leg down a little bit that is just fine. Push through the ball of your foot at the same time as you pulling forward and hold the stretch. Breathe through it and hold for at least fifteen second.

Place the towel in your right hand. Keep your other leg straight still and gently lower your straight leg down to the right side.  Your toes should be pointing up towards the ceiling and your opposite shoulder should be pushing down towards the ground to keep your back flat.  You will feel this stretch in your groin, inner thigh and possibly behind the knee and/or in your hip depending on your hip flexibility.

The last stretch in this position is similar to the last but on the other side of your body.  You will hold the towel in your left hand with the still on the ball of your right foot.  Keeping both

legs straight, gently lower your right leg across your body to towards the floor.  Keep your right shoulder pressed to the ground to give you a good lower back stretch.  To add some variety to this position, you can bend your knee to a 90 degree angle to deepen the stretch in the back.

The last stretch you will be on your stomach, the towel or strap will be placed across the toe of your right foot.  Bend your knee, bringing your heel to your glute.  To deepen the stretch, try to gently lift your knee with the towel off the ground. This stretch will be felt in primarily the quad muscle.

Stretching should be performed at least once a day. It doesn't take very long and the benefits over time are very significant to your health and ability to perform everyday activities.   Now get to work and as the snow starts to fall this winter, drive safely :)