All you runners and bikers out there, I feel your pain. Our quads can become so tight and sore that we crave a good stretch for the front of our thighs. Kneeling Shin Stretch feels good, but if that's too easy for you, take it to the floor. This makes the stretch intense, but also relaxing.
To hear how to do this stretch read more
Blue skies and a warm breeze totally motivate me to exercise outdoors, so I've been doing lots of running, biking, and hiking. My muscles are becoming stronger, but they're also getting tighter, especially my hips. If you're in need of a good hip stretch, give this Pigeon variation a try. Bending your bottom knee next to your thigh intensifies this stretch so you also feel it in your quad, shin, and the top of your foot.
To learn an easier modification, read more
Instead of hitting the snooze button in the morning, I take the extra 10 minutes to stretch. It's a great way to get the juices going in the morning and ease away any stress or tension from the previous day's activity or a funky sleeping position.
Since stretching before breaking a sweat is debatable, I keep my morning stretches simple — I don't even have to leave the bed to do them! Try this simple stretching sequence when you wake up tomorrow to get your blood flowing and your body primed for your day.
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David Beckham can make a common quad stretch look sexy. The Pilates instructor in me, however, take issue with his form. His stretching form, that is.
To see how Becks can improve his technique, simply read more
While spending time in the kitchen, why not take a break in between stirring your sautéed veggies and washing dishes? I love stretching in the kitchen and here's a move that will target your upper thighs and shoulders.
To learn how to do this stretch read more
The yoga pose known as Half Frog allows you to stretch your quads individually, and since I'm a runner and biker, it's one of my favorite stretches. If you like that pose, you should try the more challenging Frog pose that stretches both quads simultaneously. Not only will this pose stretch out the front of your thighs, but it will also give you a nice stretch in your chest and shoulders.
| Sanskrit Name: Bhekasana English Translation: Frog Pose |
It can be a little tricky, so to learn how to do this pose, read more
If you liked the Lying Side Quad Stretch, here's a pose that will stretch the front of your thighs a little more intensely. It will also target your shoulders and upper back. Since the full expression of this pose involves bending both knees and is very challenging, let's start with bending one knee at a time.
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| Sanskrit Name: Ardha Bhekasana English Translation: Half Frog Pose |
To learn how to do this pose read more
If you're a runner, biker, hiker, or on a team sport, stretching your quads is essential. You've probably stretched your quads while standing and balancing on one foot, so here's a relaxing variation you can do on the floor or a mat.
For instructions on how to do this read more
With all the running, biking, and hiking you're doing in this warm weather, stretching out your legs is a must. Here's a great way to target your quads using a wall. I love it because it gives the muscles in the front of your middle thigh, right above your knee, an intensely deep stretch.
As I've said before, I love to do a few stretches on the treadmill after a run. If you feel funny about it, you can always do this stretch while leaning on a chair. This will open your quads, your hip flexors, and your shoulders.
