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Shin Stretch
Stretch It: Kneeling Shin Stretch
The shins are one of those things that we often forget to stretch but a little stretching of the shins can go a long way, especially if you're suffering from shin splints. The kneeling shin stretch is an easy stretch to do for the shins.
Here's how to do it:
- Kneel on both knees with your booty over both heels and feet extended back.
How Can I Prevent Shin Splints?
Chances are, if you are a runner, you've experienced the pain of shin splints. It basically refers to the condition called Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS).
When you overwork the muscles in the shin, the muscles exert a great amount of force on the shin bones (tibia and fibula) to keep your foot, ankle, and lower leg stable.
Strike a Yoga Pose: Intense Side Stretch
For all you runners and bikers with tight hamstrings, this is the pose for you. It's one of my favorite stretches to target the backs of the legs, but it'll also give you a nice stretch on the sides of your body, as well as your chest and shoulders.
Sanskrit Name: Parsvottanasana
English Translation: Intense Side Stretch Pose
Also Called: Scissor
To learn how to do this pose read more
Get It Up, Your Heart Rate, That Is: Hill Repeats
Love it or avoid it, running hills is simply great conditioning. After exerting yourself to climb hills, running in the flats will feel easy. Once you begin tackling hills, they will be less intimidating.
Stretch It: Grounded Tipover Tuck
I'm always in need of a good neck and shoulder stretch. Tipover Tuck is one of my favorites, but here's a more relaxing version.
To see a photo of how to begin this stretch read more
Hit the Hay: Standing Pigeon
If you enjoy stretching in bed before going to sleep or right when you wake up in the morning, here's a variation of Pigeon that will stretch your tight hips.
To learn how to do this stretch keep reading
Strike a Yoga Pose: Seated Half Bound Lotus
Most of us suffer from stiff hamstrings and hips, so here's a pose that will increase flexibility in both. It's one of the seated postures in Ashtanga Yoga's Primary Series, and although it looks pretty basic, being in half lotus can be very challenging for those with tight hips.
Sanskrit Name: Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana
English Translation: Half Bound Lotus Western Intense Stretch Pose
Also Called: Seated Half Bound Lotus
To learn how to do this forward bend variation read more
Hit the Hay: Knee to Chest Back Stretch
After a stressful day at work or a night out on the town, it may be difficult to rest your mind and body enough to get some shuteye. I like to stretch in bed to inspire calmness, and if you liked the spinal twist bed stretch, here's another one that will target the muscles in your lower back. It's not only great for bedtime; I also like waking up and doing this stretch.
You Asked: When to Stretch?
Hiya Fit,
I still consider myself to be a novice runner and am plagued with lower leg issues — mainly shin splints. I realize how important stretching is to prevent these types of issues but am just confused on when to stretch. So, I've got a question for you.
Got Achy Feet? Try This
Everyone has suffered from sore or painful feet. Whether you've been standing all day working, or you're feeling it after a long run, here are some ways to get relief.
- Soak your feet.
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