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Daily Static Stretching
Hi Everyone!
Today, I am going to talk about the importance of daily static stretching for self-care. This is something I strive to do everyday. I am not perfect but I try to stretch after every workout. I love the recovery stretching gives me after working out. Static stretching is the best after a workout because your muscles are warm so you are less likely to pull a muscle. There are many benefits to stretching that I will outline.
Benefits of stretching:
- Decrease muscle soreness
- Prevent Injury
- Improve range of motion
- Promotes circulation
- Enhance muscle relaxation
I have personally seen a difference in my life when I stretch versus when I don’t. I have had injuries and aches that could have been prevented by stretching. I have had extreme shoulder pain that has decreased significantly due to stretching and massage. If you are having a similar problem, find stretches that are good for your injury. They can really help with decreasing pain.
I made this video about two and half years ago of a simple and short stretching routine that I do after each workout. I have added to this over the years but it is a good starting place if you aren’t used to stretching regularly yet. As always, I have sped up this video so make sure that you are spending at least eight seconds in each position.
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Preventing Sciatic Pain
Hi Everyone!
Today, I am sharing with you my best stretches to prevent sciatic pain. Havard Medical School states, “As many as 40% of people will get it during their life, and it becomes more frequent as you age.” Sciatic pain is something I have dealt with almost every year since I was 16. My sciatic pain tends to shoot down one of my legs. Mine usually flares up in the winter months, which I believe is due to the amount of time spent in the car driving to ski resorts. Sitting for long periods of time can cause flare ups.
Over the years, I have found what works best for me in preventing it from flaring up. I do these stretches with my stretching routine after each workout.
Pigeon Pose
I make sure that my front leg is at about 90 degrees and that I am centered over my front leg for the best stretch. I really want to feel this on the side of my hip. Hold for 30 seconds and switch legs.
Seated Spinal Twist
This one really stretches your piriformis muscle, which is usually the muscle that is pinching your sciatic nerve. Make sure that you are twisted toward the hip of your leg that is up. Hold for 30 seconds and switch legs.
Seated Figure 4
This stretch is to open your hips and can even help with low back pain. You can bring your leg as close to you as is comfortable. Sometimes I do this one in the car when we’ve been driving for a long time. Hold for 30 seconds and switch legs.
I really think these stretches help me to prevent sciatic pain. If your muscles get too tight in this area, there is always a chance that you can have a sciatica flare up. Let me know in the comments below if you have ever experienced sciatica and what you did to make it go away. I would love to hear about it.
Thank you for reading today’s post. Let me know what you think in the comments below.
