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Knee Stretch
Stretch It: Knee-to-Chest Stretch
The knee-to-chest stretch is a great way to stretch out the muscles of your lower back. This is one of my favorite back exercises because it feels so good. Here is how you do it:
- Lie on your back with your knees and hips bent and the backs of your heels flat on the floor.
- Slowly pull one knee to your chest as far as you can — you should feel a stretch in your lower back.
- Keep the opposite leg relaxed in a comfortable position, with your leg extended (shown) or you can bend your knee if that feels better).
- Hold for 30 seconds and then repeat with the opposite leg.
Stretch It: Side Bends on Your Knee
I just discovered a great variation to the oh-so wonderful side-bend stretch. If you bend one knee and take turns leaning your torso to both the right and left sides, it helps to target that area even more so it'll feel so amazing that you won't want to stop. Check out the video to see how it's done.
Stretch Those Tight Hips and Lower Back
Chances are if you are reading this, you have the ever popular "office job" that involves sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day. This can wreak havoc on your precious body creating tight hips and lower back pain. Many stretches for your hips also stretch out your lower back, so these poses are like 2 for the price of 1.
Strike a Yoga Pose: Head to Knee
Since I run and bike, I'm always looking for poses that stretch out my hips, lower back and hamstrings. This pose does all that and is also very relaxing, so it's great to do if you have a headache or are feeling stressed.
Sanskrit Name: Janu Sirsasana
English Translation: Knee Head Pose
Also Called: Head to Knee Pose
- Start off sitting on the ground with your legs out in front of you (like you're about to do a Seated Forward Bend.
- Bend your right knee and pull the sole of your foot against your left inner thigh.
- Sit nice and tall and then reach your right hand to the outside edge of your left foot so you can stack your torso directly on top of your left leg.
Holiday Fit Tip: Don't Just Sit There — Work Those Quads
Since most of us are traveling this Thanksgiving, here are a few simple exercises you can do with your legs while sitting in a plane or car.
- Sit up nice and tall and place your palms on the seat next to your thighs. Plant your left foot firmly on the ground and as you inhale lift your right knee up towards your chest.
Stretch It: Towel Foot Stretch
If you think about it, your feet take a lot of beating, from pounding the ground when running, to walking all over the city, to wearing high heels. They carry the weight of our entire bodies, so take time to give them some TLC. This stretch will target the muscle in the soles of your feet, but will also stretch your calves.
No Equipment Necessary: Tabletop Lift
Tabletop may look easy (shown in the photo on the left), but once you hold it for a while, you'll feel your thighs, booty, and triceps burning. It's also a great exercise that will open your shoulders and chest. Here's a variation that will strengthen your core and increase flexibility in your lower back and hamstrings.
Hike the Hill: Preventing Knee Pain
Fall is the perfect time to hike. There's a cool breeze, the fallen leaves make the trail even softer, and once you reach the pinnacle, you'll be amazed at the gorgeous foliage across the horizon. I love to try out new mountain trails, but find that the steep inclines and declines can be really hard on my knees.
Stretch It: Easy Back Stretch
One thing I have learned from my years as a Pilates instructor is most folks don't twist enough. The spine likes to rotate. Here is a simple back stretch that feels great after running.
You Asked: Stretch For Sciatica
Hey Fit,
I've been having issues with my sciatic nerve lately, I was wondering if you could post some stretches and/or yoga poses that would help with sciatica? Thanks!
— Hitting a Nerve
I feel your pain.
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