When you sit a lot during the day your hips and lower back get compressed and that creates stress on the body. The hips also serve as a storage depot for emotional “stuff”. During today’s stretch break I guide you through a chair stretch for hips. Once again, this stretch is great for anyone who sits a lot during the day. This is also great for runners/athletes or anyone you just wants to relieve lower body tension. Always remember to breathe! Stretching is feel-good living.
Note: The Stretch Break series is designed for the average healthy adult. Please always consult a physician before starting any exercise/movement program. If you have knee, back or hip pain/injury this stretch may not be right for you. If you are unsure, please check with your doctor before participating in these exercises
MODIFICATION: If you have trouble lifting your foot to your knee as demonstrated in the video try this: If you are lifting the right ankle to the left knee, instead of bending the left knee, extend the left leg out in front of you and bring the right ankle towards your shin. Avoid placing the ankle on the knee – you never want to push in on the joints. Continue to flex the right foot and think about pressing the knee away from you. Keep the left knee soft to avoid locking it.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Stacey .. thanks for that – loved the phrase .. “stretching is all about the feel good living” .. I was wondering if you were going to bring up stretching.
Does this stretch – help your lower back? Really helpful video once again .. many thanks – Hilary
My hips get really tight from sitting all day long. I try to get up at least every hour, but still by the end of the day I’m tight. This is a great stretch that I’ll be using this afternoon. Thanks!
Personally I like to do a half-lotus in my chair. But this sounds like it would be better if there happen to be moments in a corporate setting when I don’t want to look as weird.
I love it – thanks! I had forgotten to do that one. I found I could get a deeper stretch if I leaned forward slightly as I stretched each side.
Great segment, Stacey — I love that they’re only 2 minutes, and I can do them with you!
Hi Hilary – if you lean forward a bit you will get the lower back even more. As you loosen the hips the back stretches, too. I thought I filmed a segment specific to lower back, but when I went to go from camera to computer it appeared I never hit the record button! Next week.
Karl – My hips are tight, too, from sitting, running, everything! Did you use it for your afternoon stretch?
Chris – Ha! Yes, this one is perhaps less “weird”.
Megan – You are right, if you fold forward a bit you will deepen the stretch. Everyone’s hips are different! Glad you found what worked for you!
Stacey
Stacey,
These little videos are great and so easy to do because we’re all in the ready position waiting for your instruction.
Fabulous 2 minute clip Stacey!
Hi Tess – thank you and they are fun to make!
Hi Peggy – Thank you!!