Fit Body:

Post-Run Standing Hamstring Stretch

This standing hamstring stretch is easy post-run, since there’s no mat required. It also makes a nice transition from your cool-down heart rate to pre-exercise heart rate. Find anything stable about knee to hip-level high. Place your right foot up on the object. Your left knee should have a slight bend. Keep your hips squared forward. Lift your chest and hinge forward from your hips. Hold for 10-30 seconds, and then release. Next, lift your left foot up on the object. Lean forward, and then release.

*Consult your physician before exercise.

Post-Run Hamstring Stretch

Kneeling Hip Stretch

Stretching the front of your hips will feel good after sitting for a long period of time. You’ll also appreciate this stretch after a tough leg workout. Begin by kneeling with your right knee on the floor, and your left foot forward and flat. Next tuck your pelvis under and lean forward with your hips 2-3 inches. For more of a stretch, place a strap around your right foot and lift up slightly. Hold for 10-30 seconds, and then release. Repeat the stretch kneeling on your left knee, with your right foot forward and flat.

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Kneeling Hip Stretch

Lying Hip Stretch

The lying hip stretch is a great stretch after your cardio workout. You’ll stretch your hips, glutes and thighs all in one move. Begin by lying on your back on the floor. Cross your right ankle over your left knee. Hold your left thigh, and pull both legs up toward your chest. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release. Next cross your left ankle over your right knee. Hold your right thigh and pull both legs up into toward your chest. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release. Be sure to keep your shoulders down on the floor and your neck relaxed.

*Consult your physician before performing stretch.

Lying Hip Stretch

Shoulder Stretch for Posture

If standing shoulders stretches feel uncomfortable, try this seated and supported posture stretch. Begin kneeling on the floor facing a wall. Place both hands on the wall about chest-level. Walk your fingers up the wall, leaning forward until you feel a stretch under your arms and along the side of your torso. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then slowly release.

*Consult your physician before performing stretch.

Supported Posture Stretch

Assisted Hamstring Stretch

If the traditional lying down hamstring stretch is uncomfortable for you, use a towel to assist your stretch. Hamstring flexibility is important for function. That means we need a certain degree of flexibility at the hamstring to be able to sit down in neutral posture with correct lumbar spinal alignment. Instead of adding tension to your upper body to move into the correct stretch position, put your workout towel to good use as a stretching aid. Simply wrap a towel around the arch of your foot, then hold the towel with each hand on the side of your body. Having this extra leverage allows you to keep your elbows closer to the floor, decreasing the tension or stretch in your neck.

Assist Your Hamstring Stretch

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Arm Stretch

If you’ve been sitting at a computer for hours, it’s time for a stretch break. Stand up. Extend your right arm straight out in front of you with your arm parallel to the floor. Curl your fingers down and in. Hold for 10 seconds, then release. Next, extend your left arm straight out in front of you; curl your fingers down and in, then release.

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Stretch Break!

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Seated Straddle Stretch

Add this post-workout stretch into your routine and feel the full body benefits. Begin seated with your legs wide. Sit up tall, inhale and reach up with your right hand. Exhale and gently reach your hand toward your left, bending your torso. Hold for 10 seconds, then release. Next, inhale and reach up with your left hand. Exhale, and gently bend to your right side. Hold for 10 seconds, then release.

*Consult your physician before performing stretch.

Post-Workout Stretch

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Posture Reset!

Reset your posture after sitting at your desk with this exercise. Lie face down on your stability ball. Pull your torso up slightly to be in line with your legs. Tuck your chin into your chest. Raise both arms up to the side of your body. Rotate your hands to the outside of your body, so your thumbs are facing up. Balance with your legs, and lift both arms up about six inches. Pause for one seconds, and then slowly lower six inches. Start with ten reps.

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Posture Reset!

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Stretch your Hands!

Been on your computer all day? Do this after-your-computer stretch to ease muscle tension in your hands, wrists and forearms! Place your palms together with your thumbs forward. Gently press your hands together. Pull your shoulders down and back.

After-Your-Computer Stretch

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Lying Hamstring Stretch

Sitting most of the day? Do this hamstring stretch to ease lower body and lower back tension. Lie down on the floor on your back. Extend your right leg straight up with your heel toward the ceiling. Place a strap or belt securely under the arch of your shoes to assist your stretch. Keep your shoulders and hips on the floor. Hold for 10 seconds, then release. Next, extend your left leg straight up toward the ceiling. Place the strap or belt securely under your arch. Hold for 10 seconds, then release.

*Consult your physician before performing stretch.

Undo sitting with this hamstring stretch