How do you know what muscles you’re actually stretching? Hint: It’s not by which ones hurt. Read on to see what muscles you are working … and what ones you should be!
1. These 2 Exercises Stretch Your Adductors.
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Both the frog and wide side lunge pose stretch these deep groin muscles.
2. This exercise helps our adductors too!
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The butterfly stretch is a great way to stretch your adductors. You can use apply pressure to your knees with your hands for a greater workout.
3. Sore Neck? We’re Here To Help!
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You can do stretching exercises anywhere during any time of the day. Make sure you do not collapse your cervical spine while stretching the lateral side of your neck. Using your hand to aid you in your stretch will allow you a deeper stretch
4. This muscle is called the side deltoid.
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It increases the stretch on your shoulder. To stretch it, bring your arm across your body and lightly apply pressure.
5. How Many Times Have You Struck This Pose?
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Believe it or not, this pose helps your trapezius muscle. Remember to keep your spine long, round your upper back, sit on your hips and tuck your chin to your chest.
6. It’s Important To Stretch Your Calves.
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Perhaps, there is nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night with a cramp in these muscles. Use the edge of a stair step to actively stretch these muscles.
7. Remember To Stretch Your Hamstrings.
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It’s necessary to keep these long leg muscles active. This simple exercise is just the trick.
8. Do You Want To Strengthen Your Pecs?
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Pectorals are a popular muscle to focus on. To strengthen these, face the wall with your thumb up. Then, slowly rotate away from the wall so stretch your chest muscle.
9. Stretch Those Calves
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Here’s another stretch that’s great for your calves. Start out in a lunge position and slowly bring your back heel to the ground.
10. Avoid This Exercise Should You Have Lower Back Problems.
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Your external obliques are located on each side. Here’s a simple exercise to stretch them. Keep your spine long while pushing your hips out at the side.
11. Do You Have Sciatica? Here’s A Stretch To Help You Out!
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In this exercise, you are stretching your glutes and external obliques. The key here is to use your breathing to open up your rib cage, sacroiliac joint and hip area without putting too much pressure on your back.
12. Did You Know You Have A Muscle In Front Of Your Leg?
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It’s called the anterior tibialis. You can keep it stretched by placing one hand behind our while you externally rotate your hip and bring one foot above your knee!
