Usually we think of stretching the muscles after exercise so that they don’t hurt afterward. But the reality is that muscle stretching is recommended every day, regardless of whether we have exercised or not. Stretching every day prevents the muscles from shortening and also helps prevent injuries since many times these are produced by lack of mobility. It also promotes
Are you dealing with shooting pains or numbness from sciatica? Discomfort is caused when the sciatic nerve (which runs from the lower spine down the back of each leg) gets pinched. It can be caused by an injury such as a slipped disk or pelvic fracture, pregnancy, or tight muscles in the lower back, hips, and legs. Whatever the cause,
Running and crazy-tight hamstrings seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly, but it doesn't have to be that way! Hop on your mat after a run and do this short yoga sequence. It not only targets the backs of the legs, but also increases flexibility in the lower back and hips—opening those areas also helps to decrease tightness
You walk and you strength train (good work!), but what about stretching? Thought so. Follow this simple plan to up your flexibility fast that blends calming yoga poses with targeted stretching and meditation to increase flexibility while easing stress and pain. They also build balance and grace, which you don't get with cardio and strength work, and will leave you
Wide-Legged Standing Forward Fold is a calming forward bend that stretches the hamstrings and back. There are several arm variations and other modifications available, making this a suitable pose for yoga students of all levels! Practicing Prasarita Padottanasana on a regular basis can keep your hamstrings and low back flexible, and your mind calm and serene. The more you are able to relax in
The upper back and shoulders tend to be the most ‘dead’ part of the body. Sitting for long hours, poor posture and too much stress have a way of rounding the shoulders, collapsing the chest, and making the neck become tight and painful. The average human head weighs 12–15 pounds and the typical workday tapping on a computer or phone
Having trouble sleeping? You’re not alone – and it could be costing you more than just a restless night and sleepy day, people with insomnia are much more likely to experience associated health problems such as anxiety, depression, diabetes, and congestive heart failure. But don’t despair – a good night’s sleep really is within reach. A pre-bedtime yoga for sleep
There are many benefits to stretching before your workout: it prepares your body for the workout to come and increases joint flexibility. Regular stretching alone cannot prevent injuries, make you run faster, or correct poor posture. But it prepares your body for your workout and helps relax tired muscles afterwards! Are you not really sure what stretching exercises to include in
You plan every training session; what areas of the body you want to focus on, the exercises you’re going to do and your reps and sets. But do you put the same effort into the one thing that could make or break your workout? Stretches are essential pre-workout, and dynamic stretches are key to priming your body for the work that's
Working out with sciatica requires a bit of caution, but having the painful condition should by no means keep a person completely sidelined from physical activity and exercise. Up to 40% of adults will have sciatica at some point in their lives. This means they will experience pain, numbness, or tingling anywhere between the lower back and feet, caused by
