Posts Tagged ‘toronto’
Seated Calf Stretch
The strong muscles of the calf can be quite tight, especially after prolonged standing or walking, and for many athletes whose sport of choice involves running or jumping. To best stretch these muscles, grab a bolster or pillow and have a seat; start with both feet extended out in front of you with the pillow…
Read MoreWork it! Exercises for Computer Users
If you sit at a desk all day, chances are good that the muscles in the back of your neck and between your shoulder blades are a little achy by the end of your work day. A lot of the time our inclination is to stretch sore, tired muscles, but that can do more harm than good…
Read MoreStanding Calf Stretch
Tight calf muscles are prone to cramping: the dreaded “charlie horse” that wakes you up in the middle of the night or attacks as you move from sitting to standing. The large muscles in the back of the lower leg are the soleus and gastrocnemius, both of which attach into the Achilles tendon and run…
Read MoreBanded Tricep & Shoulder Stretch
This is an advanced mobility technique that uses an exercise band to increase the intensity of the triceps stretch, and helps release restrictions in the shoulder capsule – a collection of fibrous ligaments, tendons and connective tissues that form the shoulder joint. This stretch is excellent to increase or regain range of motion following a shoulder injury, and can…
Read MoreForearm Flexor Stretch
If you spend long hours at a computer, this stretch is for you! The muscles in the forearm cross the wrist via the carpal tunnel; when tight, they can cause pain in the wrist and hand. Stretch them by holding your arm out in front of you, palm facing up. Keeping your elbow straight, bend…
Read MoreNose-to-Armpit Levator Stretch
This stretch targets the muscle that shrugs your shoulders, the Levator Scapulae. It attaches to the top of your shoulder-blade, and to the sides of the uppermost bones of the neck. To stretch, first side-bend your head away from the side you want to stretch, and hold for a couple of breaths. Secure the arm…
Read MoreRunner’s Lunge Hip Flexor Stretch
An absolute must for runners and lovers of high-heels. Stand with feet at hip width. While the leg you want to stretch stays in place, take a large step forward with the opposite leg, bending the knee so that it is directly above the ankle. Lower the back leg so the knee comes toward the…
Read MoreStanding Quadriceps Stretch
Target the front of the thigh to relieve knee and low back pain. Stand with feet just at hip width. Bend the knee of the side you want to stretch so that your heel comes up toward your buttock. Use a towel roll tucked behind the knee to open up the joint. Grasp the foot…
Read MoreThread-the-Needle Piriformis Stretch
This stretch is essential if you spend all day on your feet, or suffer from hip pain or sciatica. Start in hook-lying position: on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. On the side you want to stretch, turn your knee out, and cross your ankle across the opposite knee. …
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