3 Energizing Stretches That Save My Legs at Music Festivals

Updated on April 9, 2015 at 6:55 AM

I see a lot of music. I average four or five shows a month, but during festival and Summer-tour season, I'm on my feet for three or four days full of concerts. I do my best to keep my body feeling strong and refreshed at every show, so I can keep going the following day by following a few simple rules. My shoulders (and heart) ache for any woman I see lugging around a huge purse (I keep a few essentials close in a fanny pack), and my choice of footwear is always dependent on comfort and function (these Reebok high-tops are always packed in my weekend bag). Also, I drink water — lots and lots of water.

Despite these precautionary measures, I dance hard, and I'm often sore after a big day (or night) of music. That's where these three stretches come in handy. I move through them before the show starts, always repeat right before bed, and then do them again as soon as I wake up the next morning. Try them yourself the next time you're going to be on your feet for a few days; I guarantee they'll become part of your festival ritual, too. Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lizzie Fuhr

Tipover Tuck

Your chest, shoulders, and hamstrings get a big release with this forward-bend variation. Stay here for at least 10 deep breaths, and roll up slowly.

Begin standing with your feet hips' distance apart. Bring your arms behind you and interlace your fingers right below your sacrum (back of your pelvis). Actively pull your hands away from your shoulders to increase the stretch in your chest.
From here, lean your chest forward and lift your hands up overhead as you fold your torso toward your thighs. If you're only concerned with feeling this stretch in your chest and shoulders, then keep your knees bent. To bring this stretch into your hamstrings and lower back, straighten your legs.
Stay like this for at least 30 seconds, and when you're ready to come out, actively press into your feet, engage your thighs, and slowly lift your torso back up to a standing position. Perform again for another 30 seconds.

Low-Back Stretch

Relieve tension in your lower back with this quick and easy standing stretch.

Pull your right knee toward your chest to round and stretch your lower back. Increase the stretch by pulling your abs toward your spine.
Stay here for at least five breaths, then repeat on the other side.

Head to Knee

Head to Knee has always been one of my favorite yoga poses. It gives tight hamstrings and hips a huge stretch that feels amazing. If you do any stretch at a music festival or before a big concert, make it this one.

Sit down (make sure you have enough room!). Straighten your left leg and press the sole of your right foot against your left inner thigh.
Remain seated, or if you're more flexible, fold over your left leg, coming into Head to Knee.
Try to keep both shoulders parallel with the ground. Hold for 30 seconds, and then do this stretch on the other side for an additional 30 seconds.