FitSugar

Partner Yoga Pose: Butterfly Supported Forward Bend

FitSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 11:00:00 PDT

One reason I love partner yoga poses that allow you to relax and slowly get deeper into poses. This pose Butterfly Supported Forward Bend, will also bring you a little bit closer to your yoga partner; it is definitely intimate, but it allows for a deep stretch in the hips, lower back, and shoulders from the Butterfly, as well as relaxing hamstrings stretch from Seated Forward Bend. Why not take this opportunity to get to know someone a little bit better while you stretch your hips?

Want to give it a try? Then

Beyond the Basics: Inner Thigh Stretches

Michele Foley — Thu, 19 May 2011 01:15:43 PDT

After a weekend spent doing Pilates and ballet-inspired workouts, I experienced a type of muscle soreness that was entirely new to me - my inner thighs (aka adductors) were on fire. While I have a series of stretches that I do after every workout, I now realize that none of them really target this often overlooked area. If you've also been neglecting your inner thighs the way I have, here are a few stretches to get you started!

Basic Inner Thigh Stretch - Here's a favorite stretch of ours, especially for after a run since you can do it anywhere. This basic stretch will lengthen tight inner thighs safely and effectively.
Butterfly Pose - Also referred to as Baddha Konasana or Bound Angle pose, Butterly pose is one of my favorite ways to end a challenging yoga class. Not only does it get into the upper thigh area, but it's also a great hip-opener that stretches out the lower back, too.
Wide-Legged Forward Bend E - In ashtanga yoga, although there are technically four Wide-Legged Forward Bend poses, sometimes an instructor throws in a fifth, Wide-Legged Forward Bend E. This deep pose is great for stretching your hips, hamstrings, and inner thighs.
Frogger - Imagine how you'd look sprawled out like a frog, and you basically have the gist of this stretch. What's great about Frogger is that you can hang out in the pose for as long as you want to really give your inner thighs a good, deep stretch.
Wall Straddle - The wall is a great prop to use when stretching because it can either support the weight of your body or add resistance. Wall straddle is a great stretch that you can do at home, and it's easy to make the stretch as easy or intense as your body can handle. Just make sure to take your shoes off!
Side Lunge For Inner Thigh - It's always best to stretch warm muscles, but you can't always be in a place where it's easy to stretch on the ground. That's why this inner thigh stretch is awesome - you can stand up and do it anywhere.

Suffer from tight adductors? What's your favorite stretch?

Basic Stretches For Your Couch-Weary Body

Leta Shy — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:19:33 PDT

Sometimes, weekends or after-work evenings are made for time on the couch. Whether it's because you've had an exhausting day of meetings and workouts or because you're indulging in a marathon of your favorite TV show, the couch can beckon in just the right way.

Unfortunately, the cuddly couch can be the opposite of comfort. Spending too much time sitting or lying on the couch can cause more pain than relaxation. First, there's the fact that your body won't be supported correctly while you're slumped in the cushions. Then there's the fact that sitting for too long causes the supporting muscles around the spine and pelvis to deactivate, which leads to chronic back pain.

If you spent too long getting acquainted with your couch last night, check out five easy types of stretches that will help relieve back pain, release shoulder tension, and remedy a stiff neck.