There are people who just seem to live in the gym. Perhaps that person is your sister or brother, or a friend you love a lot. Maybe they visit health food stores and cannot stop talking about recovery methods or healing modalities. They usually wear athletic attire and carefully watch what they eat. If that sounds like someone you know, then this holiday gift guide is going to come in handy!

’Tis the season to show that wellness enthusiast just how much you’ve been listening to their excitement for sound baths and stretch therapy. Perhaps your friend or family member is looking to embark on a new wellness journey, improve their inner self, or get more involved in different fitness worlds. Whatever the case, we hope you find inspiration from the following list. 

Dry Brush

We are starting out on the relatively inexpensive side of gifting. A dry brush will likely cost somewhere between $10 and $20, but the benefits are worth it. Dry brushing may help the body eliminate toxins and promote relaxation. The lymphatic system requires stimulation to prevent it from clogging. Dry brushing works to open up the pores and help the body release toxins through sweat, which reduces the amount of toxins that flow through the lymphatic system. 

Hiking Shoes

Now, a pair of hiking shoes can be on the pricier side, but think of them as an investment. Maybe save this gift for someone you really love and care about! All jokes aside, a great pair of hiking shoes or boots can save people from ankle injuries, knee pain, and general foot soreness. Shoes that have Vibram soles are excellent!

A Gym Bag

A good gym bag is something that any athletic enthusiast will enjoy. Consider a compact gym bag with lots of pockets, or a larger one if the person you know carries lots of equipment and clothes. Ideally, choose one that has a shoulder strap and one that can easily fit in a locker. 

Crystal Ear Seed Kit

Some people love acupuncture and want to get treatment, but they don’t always have the time for it. A crystal ear seed kit can give people similar benefits to acupuncture from the comfort of their own home. The ear seeds stimulate pressure points in the ear, which is a form of acupressure and auriculotherapy. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) reports that energy travels along meridian lines, many of which run through the ears. 

Massage Gift Card

Who doesn’t love a free massage? That is especially true if the person you purchase the massage for is pushing it in the gym eight days a week. Treat that special someone to a lovely full-body massage. If possible, make it so they can choose between Swedish, deep tissue, relaxing, sports, or other types of massage if they are all the same price. Alternatively, gift someone a facial or other skin care treatment service, such as a body wrap, peel, or body scrub. 

Massage Gun

Everyone can benefit from owning a massage gun. It used to be that they cost upwards of $300, but now there are so many at various price points. There are standard massage guns, mini massage guns (which are great for travel), and percussive massage balls. All of these massage devices can help loosen up fascia, which reduces stiffness and may help improve range of motion. 

Essential Oil Diffuser

This is a classic gift for wellness and non-wellness enthusiasts alike. There are so many diffusers available, so you do not need to spend all your money on a specific one you saw on Instagram. They all pretty much do the same thing: diffuser essential oil aroma into a space. You want to pay attention to the essential oils you purchase, though, as many are not 100% pure. Pure essential oils are the best!

Singing Bowl

This gift is for anyone who has expressed interest in sound baths or meditation. A singing bowl is perfect for at-home meditation because the tones can aid with anxiety and stress reduction. Different bowls have different tones when you hit them, and you can search which frequencies benefit what. 

Unique Fitness Experience

Be it bungee aerobics, Pilates, spin class, Zumba, or rage therapy, a unique fitness experience is a great gift for wellness enthusiasts. It gives them the opportunity to try something out without having to purchase a membership. If they like the class they try, they can always purchase more classes or get a membership to the facility!

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It is very common to wake up with a bit of stiffness. That’s why you probably engage in a quick under-the-cover stretch with a morning grunt to greet the day. Although that is a great place to start, it is not a dedicated stretch routine that can help loosen you up. The stretch routine in this article contains a handful of easy stretches that can reduce stiffness and energize the body. 

After you wake up, if you are like most people, you either hit snooze or reach for your phone to scroll through social media and emails. It can still take some time to get out of bed after this habit. Taking just five minutes each morning to stretch can not only loosen up your joints and improve mobility, but also improve the way you feel. Various health experts agree that regular stretching, especially in the morning, can facilitate strength, improve range of motion, and enhance your overall sense of self. 

Make it a point to engage in the following stretches every morning and your body will thank you. Are these stretches the fountain of youth? Not by a long shot, but they can help energize the body and get you ready for the day!

Simple Shoulder Stretch

If you sleep wrong or spend too much time looking down at your phone, this is a great stretch to open up the muscles that can cause neck pain. Begin by standing up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Draw your shoulders forward, as if to have them touch in front of you. Press your chest forward as you draw your shoulder blades together in the back. Alternate between these two positions five times, breathing deeply throughout. 

Shoulder Circles

The trapezius muscles are the largest muscles that run from the neck, across the shoulders, and down to the mid back. When you open up these muscles, you can breathe easier and feel relief from tension. Stand up straight with your arms by your sides. Draw your shoulders up and roll them forward in a large circular motion. Complete 10 forward rotations, followed by 10 backward rotations. 

Standing Wall Push

This is a dynamic stretch that targets the triceps, pectorals, deltoids, and muscles that run across the shoulder blades. It can also help you improve upper body strength and mobility in the shoulders. Stand up straight facing a wall with your feet hip-distance apart. Extend your arms out in front of you and place your hands flat on the wall. Bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle to lean toward the wall. Hover a few inches away from the wall for a few seconds before engaging your pectorals and shoulders to push away from the wall a few inches. Hold this position before lowering back to the starting position. Continue alternating between these two positions for about 30 seconds. 

Shoulder Across The Arm Stretch

The shoulder joints are the most mobile in the body, so maintaining flexibility is essential for optimal movement. This stretch can help reverse the effects of slouching or hunching at your desk. Stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart. Pull your left arm across your chest, hooking your right arm around your left to pull it closer to your chest. Keep your left arm slightly bent and pull with your right arm until you feel a good stretch on the outside of your shoulder. Hold for 15-30 seconds, release, and then repeat with the other arm. 

Standing Side Bend

If you sit a lot or hit the gym to do a core workout, you will love this stretch. It works to improve balance, coordination, and elongate the obliques and hips. Stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart and arms resting by your sides. You can widen your stance if you have trouble balancing. Raise your arms overhead and interlace your fingers. Hinge at the waist to lean left until you reel a deep stretch along your right side. Hold this position for 15-30 seconds before returning to the center. Repeat on the other side.

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Why do you need to stretch in the morning? Just the thought of adding yet another item to your morning to-do list is enough to stress you out. Getting up just a little bit earlier to perform a handful of stretches can not only help wake up the body, but also reduce the risk of injury by improving mobility and flexibility. 

If you regularly wake up feeling stiff and sluggish, a few morning stretches will do you right. Stretching can help improve flexibility and mobility, two things that can reduce your risk of injury. It can also help improve circulation, relieve tension, and jumpstart your body into action. Do you want to know the best part? You don’t even have to leave your bed for the following stretch routine. That’s right! You can remain in your bed and get the juices flowing! 

Take Some Deep Breaths

It’s always a great idea to start out easy, even if your stretch routine takes place in bed. Lie flat on your back and rest your arms by your sides. Take a few deep breaths, making sure to inhale and exhale fully. During your exhale, try to slowly release all of the oxygen in your lungs. Repeat this process for five to 10 minutes. It may surprise you how much this process can energize you, as the brain requires oxygen to function and wake up. 

Total Body Stretch

Most people probably have a form of this stretch. You lengthen every limb after waking up and make some sort of noise that resembles a grunt. To do this stretch, extend your arms overhead, lengthening toward the headboard or wall. Stretch your feet toward the end of your bed and hold this position for a few deep breaths before releasing. 

Lying Hamstring Stretch

If you spend most of the day in a seated position, you will likely feel it in the morning. Release the tension in your hamstrings with a relaxing morning stretch. Lie flat on your back and keep your hips centered. Draw your right knee toward your chest and keep the left leg flat on the bed. Extend your right knee and grab behind your hamstring to pull your leg closer to you. Feel the stretch in your right hamstring and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on the left leg. 

Forward Fold

Finally, a stretch that is great to do before you get out of bed. This stretch can benefit those with neck and back pain and it will help you transition into the next few stretches. Sit on the edge of your bed and plant your feet flat on the floor. Fold forward to rest your chest on your thighs. Aim to plant your hands on the floor or simply hang in the fold. Remain in this position for 30 seconds and then sit up straight. 

Seated Spinal Stretch

This stretch builds upon the forward fold and works to relieve tension in the lower back. From the last stretch, transfer to a seated position on the ground and extend your legs out in front of you. Bend your left leg, bring it as close to your chest as you can, and plant your left foot flat on the ground. Reach both arms around your left leg and hug it, bringing your chest as close as you comfortably can to your left thigh. Hold for 30 seconds, breathing deeply throughout, and then repeat on the other leg. 

Above The Heat Chest Stretch

Remain in a seated position or stand up straight for this one. It works to open up your chest and also feels great in your upper back and shoulders. Interlock your fingers behind your head and open your elbows out to the sides. Gently move your elbows back to feel the stretch, but don’t go so far to where it feels painful. Once you feel a stretch, hold the position for 30 seconds and then release. 

Standing Quad Stretch

The final stretch is one that you’ve likely done before. It should not be difficult to execute and is especially beneficial for desk workers. Sitting for a majority of the day can tighten the hips and quadriceps, so this stretch aims to lengthen those muscles and loosen the hips. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your left leg and reach back to grab your ankle with your left hand. Gently pull your ankle toward your buttocks and squeeze your right glute and inner thigh to maintain balance. You can hold onto a wall or chair if necessary. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side.

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It would be strange if you never heard the phrase, “Don’t forget to stretch before your workout.” This is reinforced by countless social media reels and shorts that explain how certain stretches or movements can end hip, back, knee, shoulder, or neck pain. Although it may seem like a waste of time, stretching can help you perform at your best and reduce the risk of injury. We aren’t talking about a few twists or bends, people. We are talking about dedicating at least 10 minutes to stretching before working out.

Benefits Of Stretching Before A Workout

Besides preparing the body physically, stretching before working out can aid mental preparation. Studies confirm that taking time to stretch and breathe mindfully every day can help reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, it can aid total body relaxation. Stretching before working out gives you the mental calm that can help you approach your workout in the best way. It also helps you achieve better posture and balance during exercises. Finally, stretching before working out reduces stiffness, making you less prone to injury. Continue reading to learn about simple stretches to do before your next workout. 

Quad Stretch

To do this stretch, stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart. You can stand next to a wall or chair to use as support if needed. Bend your right knee, reach back with your right hand, and grab your right ankle to bring it close to your buttocks. Keep your knees close together and feel the stretch along the front of your right thigh. Hold for 20 seconds and then repeat on the other leg. 

Lunge

This builds on the previous quad stretch and targets your hip flexors. It also may help improve posture and muscle strength. To begin, stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart. Take a big step forward with your right leg and keep the left stationary. Bend your right knee until your thigh is parallel to the ground, but make sure the knee doesn’t extend beyond the toes. You can rest your hands on your right thigh for support, and make sure to engage your left glute to feel the stretch along your left hip flexor. Hold for 20 seconds and then repeat on the left leg. 

Butterfly Stretch

Begin in a seated position with your legs extended out in front of you. Bend your knees and draw your feet in towards you, planting them flat on the ground. Allow your knees to fall out to the sides and bring the soles of your feet together. You can gently press down on the insides of your knees to deepen the stretch in your inner thighs and groin. You can remain here for 20 to 60 seconds and then release. 

Forward Fold

This is a great way to stretch your hamstrings and lower back muscles. To begin, stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart. Take a deep breath in, raise your arms overhead, and exhale to come down, hinging at the hips to fold forward. Once your torso is parallel to the ground, you can round your back and let gravity help you down. You can reach your hands down to touch your toes, or grab your elbows and hang. Aim to keep your legs straight, but a slight bend is acceptable. Remain here for 20 to 30 seconds before slowly returning to the starting position. 

Upward Facing Dog

This stretch is great for opening up the upper back and chest muscles. Begin by lying flat on your stomach with the tops of your feet  on the floor. Bend your arms and plant your palms on the ground on either side of your chest. When ready, engage your chest and press up into upward dog. Drop your shoulders and tilt your head back. Hold this pose for 20 seconds and then release. 

Arms Across Chest

Stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart and arms by your sides. Take your right arm and reach across towards the left side of your body. Hook your left arm around the outside of your right and bring it in toward your chest. You should feel a stretch along the outside of your right shoulder. Hold for 20 seconds and then repeat on the other side.

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Whether you work from home or work in an office, you understand that sitting down all day can cause pain, especially in the upper back, shoulders, and neck. Not to mention, a sedentary work schedule can cause serious tension in the hip flexors, which leads to lower back pain. At least once during your workday, you feel stiff or achy. Fortunately, there are several desk stretches that can help counteract the harmful effects of sitting all day.

The body does not do well if you remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time. Sitting for too long means that certain areas of the body receive less blood flow. Muscles and joints lose extensibility, which often leads to fatigue, soreness, cramping, and general discomfort. That said, you may not be able to abandon your desk job and avoid sitting altogether. You can, however, alternate between sitting and standing, especially if you have a standing desk. 

How often you stretch while working depends on your body, how you are feeling, and whether or not you are active. If you have the ability to get up and move or walk on your lunch break, you’ll feel a lot better because of the increased circulation. Hopefully the following stretches help relieve any tension you get from sitting at your desk. 

Standing Calf Stretch

Stand upright behind the back of your chair with your feet hip-distance apart and place your hands on the back of the chair for support. Step your right leg behind you and bend your left leg slightly. Make sure that your right heel is touching the ground and your back leg is straight. Lean forward so that you feel the stretch along your right calf. Hold for 15-20 seconds and then repeat on the other leg. 

Chair Hamstring Stretch

Remain standing behind your chair just like you did in the previous calf stretch. Place your hands on the chair and walk your feet back, hinging at the hips to lean forward until your torso is parallel to the ground. Lengthen your back and keep your legs straight, so that you feel a stretch along your hamstrings and upper back. Remain in this stretch for 30 seconds. 

Office Chair Hip Flexor Stretch

This stretch is a bit more advanced, but the relief in your hips is absolutely wonderful. Stand in a split stance, your right foot in front of your left, in front of your chair facing away from it. Place the top of your left foot on the chair and bend your knees to lower down into a lunge. If possible, bring your left knee to the floor and keep your hips squared. Straighten your back and tuck your tailbone, feeling the stretch along the front of your left hip. Remain here for 20-30 seconds before switching legs. 

Seated Back Stretch

Remain in your chair and scoot your butt all the way back in your chair. Widen your feet and point your knees outward slightly. Fold forward and allow your lower back to round and relax. You can touch your hands to the floor, or grab hold of your elbows and hang. Remain here for 30 seconds and then slowly roll back up to the starting position. 

Seated Shoulder Stretch

Sit up straight on the edge of your chair and bring your left arm across your chest. Hook your right hand or forearm just above your left elbow and hug your left arm into your chest without rounding your upper back. Hold the stretch for about 20 seconds and then switch arms to repeat.

Seated Upper Trap Stretch

Sit up straight on the edge of your chair and reach your left hand over your head to place it on the right side of your head. Keep your right arm by your side holding the chair for support and gently pull your head to the left. Think about lengthening your neck, as opposed to just pulling your head to the side and down to your shoulder. Hold for 20 seconds, rest, and repeat one more time before doing the same on the other side.

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The afternoon slump is all too common in today’s day and age. You head to the coffee station in your office or convenience store for an energy drink. Perhaps you have a stash of caffeinated teas in your desk for this exact moment. Did you know that you can pull yourself out of a slump without caffeine, though? Although it may sound relaxing, engaging in a dynamic stretch routine helps bring you back to life and away from sleepiness. 

Gentle movements and dynamic stretching can slowly warm up the body by increasing circulation to your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. That process increases oxygen levels, according to exercise physiologists, and receiving more oxygen and nutrients from better blood flow can naturally lift you up. Not to mention, dynamic stretching is a great way to improve flexibility, correct posture, and delay onset muscle soreness. The following dynamic stretch routine only takes up five minutes of your time and is better than flooding your body with caffeine. Experiment to see if it works for you. 

Standing Rotation

Begin by standing tall with your arms resting by your sides. Widen your stance until your feet are about three feet apart. Lift your right heel up as you rotate towards your left side and reach your right arm up and across your body, making a straight line from your right foot to fingertips. Return to the starting position, take a breath, and then repeat on the other side. Continue alternating sides for a total of 10 reps per side. Just make sure that you are doing controlled, slow movements to feel the stretch.

Standing Cat Cow

Stand up straight in front of a chair, table, countertop, or another supportive item or surface. Place your hands on the supportive surface and walk your feet backward until your upper body and arms are parallel to the floor. On an exhale, round your back to enter the cat position and really open up your mid back. On an inhale, slowly arch the spine, soften your knees, and press your hands lightly into the surface to lengthen through the crown of your head. This is the cow portion of the stretch. Continue to alternate back and forth slowly for a total of eight reps. 

Lunge And Twist

Stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart and arms by your sides. Step your right leg back to enter a reverse lunge, bending your left leg to stack your knee directly over your ankle. Aim to have your left thigh parallel to the ground, all the while engaging your core and right leg to ground yourself through the ball of your right foot. Raise your arms in front of you and slowly twist toward your left side. As you exhale, twist back to center and engage your core to remain with your arms out in front of you for a second. Repeat until you complete 10 reps and then switch sides. 

Standing Rotation And Squat

Begin in a wide stance and lower yourself into a deep squat, aligning your knees with your heels and kneecaps between your second and third toes. Keep your back straight and engage your core as you bring your hands together down in front of you. Rotate to the left side to reach your right arm up and away from you. Return to the center deep squat and sit there for a breath before standing tall and rotating to the right side. Repeat on the other side and continue to alternate sides until you complete 10 reps per side. 

Side Lunge Pulse

Begin by standing straight up with your feet shoulder-width apart and parallel to each other. Step your right foot to the right to enter a side lunge, sinking your butt back while keeping your back straight. Make sure to keep your hips back and don’t let your right knee extend over your right toes. Do 10 small, slow pulses in this position, breathing through each one. Return to the starting position and repeat on the left side. Complete one more round per side.

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Doesn’t getting a massage once a week sound like the best plan ever? What a beautiful luxury to be able to afford! You don’t need the financial ability to get weekly massages when you can loosen up all your tight muscles with a series of beneficial stretches. Many physical therapists agree that regular stretching can make you feel as good as you do after a relaxing massage. 

When people stretch, they typically target the hamstrings, quadriceps, and areas of the back. Seldom do people actually perform stretches correctly, though. Without proper form, you will not target the right muscle groups. Moving your body in subtle ways can do more than you realize. The following stretches help you stretch the various nooks and crannies in the body that need the most attention. Stretch regularly with the right form and you won’t feel sore all the time. 

Side Neck Stretch

Stand up straight with your arms by your sides and feet hip-distance apart. Let your right ear fall to your right shoulder and take a deep breath. Bend your right arm and take your right index finger to push your chin back until you have a double chin. Lean into the stretch until it feels good, allowing the stretch to deepen for 30-60 seconds. Switch sides and repeat. 

Back Of The Neck Stretch

Remain in the same standing position as the previous stretch, or you can sit down if that is more comfortable. Let your head fall forward, bringing your chin to your chest. Interlace your fingers behind your neck and pull down gently while simultaneously lifting your head. Do these for 20 seconds and then let go. Your neck should feel longer after this stretch.

Back Of Shoulder Stretch

Stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart and interlace your fingers at your lower back, facing your palms back. Pull your elbows toward the front of your body and round your spine. You can lean forward slightly until you feel a good stretch along the backs of your shoulders. Don’t force too much and remain in a comfortable stretch for 30 seconds before releasing.

Chest Stretch

Stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart and lift your arms up and out to the sides. You should be in the form of a “T.” Face your palms facing forward and reach your arms behind you. Don’t reach so far that you strain anything; rather, reach until you feel your chest open and then remain in this position for 30-60 seconds, breathing deeply throughout. 

Wide-Legged Spinal Rotation

Start standing straight up and step your right foot out to create a wide stance. Hinge at the hips to bend forward and then place your hands on the ground. Place your right hand behind your head and, leading with your elbow, rotate your chest out to the right and toward the ceiling. Ideally, open up so that your elbow is pointing straight up. Rotate back to the starting position, aiming to touch your left arm with your right elbow. Complete 10 reps and then switch sides. 

Reclining Figure Four

Lie flat on your back and bend your knees to plant your feet flat on the ground. Place the outside of your right ankle just above your left knee, pressing your right knee out to the side. Grab behind your left hamstring and draw it closer to your chest. You should feel a stretch along your right glute and outside of your hip. Hold for 30-60 seconds, allowing the stretch to deepen naturally, and then repeat on the other side. 

Squat To Hamstring Stretch

Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your feet flat on the floor and squat down until your butt almost touches the ground. Make sure to keep your back straight in this position. Grab your feet and pause for three seconds before slowly straightening your legs as much as possible, feeling a stretch in your hamstrings. Aim to keep your back straight during this process. Hold for 10 seconds and then return back to the squat. Complete three reps.

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No matter what day it is, you should not let morning pain derail your entire day. At the same time, many people wake up with back pain, which hinders their movement. Getting out of bed without pain can seem like a challenge, with a wrong movement sending shooting pain down your leg. You may even hold your breath, peeling out of your bed one stiff joint at a time. 

Back pain can occur at any time throughout the day, but the back may be at its most vulnerable right when you wake up. The reason for this is because pressure on the lower back can build during your sleep, especially if you sleep poorly or in the wrong position. A mattress that doesn’t support your back can also contribute to your discomfort. Additionally, your sleeping position can cause you to wake up in pain. Sitting all day, sitting in an unsupportive office chair, hunching over your phone, or standing with poor posture can all cause lower back pain. 

All of that said, the most common cause of morning lower back pain is typically sleeping in an odd position. Arthritis or inflammation can also contribute to morning back pain. Whatever the cause is, the important thing is that you shy away from getting out of bed. Gentle stretches can help ease pain and make it easier to not only get out of bed, but also get through the day. 

Knees To Chest

Lie on your back and bend both of your knees, planting your feet flat on the floor or your mattress. Draw your knees toward your chest, reaching to grab just below your knees. Interlace your fingers and gently pull your knees closer to your chest, but try to keep your lower back on the floor or bed. Hold for 30 seconds, or as long as you can comfortably tolerate, and breathe deeply throughout. If this is too difficult to do, try drawing one leg into your chest at a time, keeping the other leg extended out straight.

Supine Hamstring Stretch

Lie on your back and bend both of your knees, planting your feet flat on the floor or your mattress. Press your left foot into the floor/mattress as you extend your right foot toward the ceiling. The sole of your foot should be parallel to the ceiling. Clasp your hands behind your right thigh or calf and gently pull your leg closer to your chest. A slight bend in your right leg is fine, but try your best to keep it straight. You should feel a stretch along your right hamstring. If grasping behind your leg is too difficult, place a towel around the ball of your right foot and grab each end of the towel to pull your leg to feel a stretch. Hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds and then repeat on the other leg. 

Happy Baby

Lie on your back and bend both of your knees, planting your feet on the floor or mattress. Draw your knees into your chest at a 90-degree angle. As you flex your feet toward the ceiling, reach your hands through your legs to grab the outside of each foot. Spread your knees apart, drawing them closer to your armpits, and rock from side to side for about one minute. If you do this on the floor, the rocking motion will help gently massage your lower back. 

Figure Four Stretch

Lie on your back and bend both of your knees, planting your feet on the floor or mattress. Cross your right ankle over your left thigh, just above the knee, and use your hand to gently press your right knee away from your chest. Reach your hands behind your left leg and pull it closer to your chest. You should feel a stretch along your right gluteus and hamstring. Hold for 30 seconds before returning to the starting position to repeat on the other leg. 

Supine Butterfly

Lie on your back and bend both of your knees, planting your feet on the floor or mattress. Bring your feet together and then let your knees open out to the sides, creating the butterfly position. If gravity creates the stretch, then you can just let your legs be, but you can gently press on your inner thighs to deepen the stretch. Bring the soles of your feet together and remain in this position for 30 seconds.

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If you’ve learned anything about getting older, it is that back pain is inevitable. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of bending over to tie your shoe and feeling a strain in your lower back. If you sit at a desk all day, you are familiar with tightness in the shoulders and back. It’s as if everyday activities do their very best to wear out your back, or so it seems anyway. 

There Are Different Types Of Back Pain

Back pain can either be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). You may experience a dull ache or constant pain, both of which can be unpleasant. Acute back pain tends to last for a few days to a few weeks. Accidents, falls, or lifting something that is too heavy can all cause acute back pain, which tends to get better without treatment. Chronic back pain tends to last three months or longer and it is much less common than acute back pain. Most chronic back pain can be remedied without surgery, though. 

The reality is that you can decrease your risk of back injury by increasing flexibility with regular stretching exercises. Your muscles need to move, so the combination of moderate exercise and stretching can help increase mobility and flexibility of the spine and surrounding muscles. Below, we will detail three stretches to help prevent back pain, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Stretch slowly and avoid jerky or bouncy movements.
• Stretching cold muscles can increase the risk of injury. For this reason, warm up with five to 10 minutes of light activity, for example, walking or pedaling a stationary bike. 
• Relax into each stretch and hold each position for at least 30 seconds.
• Only go to the point where you feel mild tension.

Back Flexion And Extension

Begin on all fours in a tabletop position, stacking your shoulders directly over your wrists and hips over your knees. Rock forward slightly and put your weight onto your arms. Round your shoulders and allow your butt to drop a little. Hold this position for five seconds and then rock backwards to sit your butt as close to your heels as possible, maintaining extended arms throughout. After holding that position for five seconds, return to the starting position. Repeat this process a total of five times. 

Knee To Chest Stretch

Lie flat on your back with your legs extended and arms by your sides. Bend your right leg and draw your knee up toward your chest. Reach both hands around your knee or shin and pull your leg as close to your chest as you comfortably can. Do your bet to tighten your lower abdominal muscles and press your lower back into the floor during the stretch. Remain in this position for about five seconds and then return to the starting position. Do the same with your left leg and then repeat with both legs at once. That is one sequence, and you should complete the sequence five times. 

Standing Back Arch

Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place both of your hands on your lower back, facing your fingers down. Each hand should be on either side of your spine just above your gluteus muscles. Take a few slow, deep breaths in this position to promote relaxation. Bend your upper body backward and keep your knees straight. The reason your hands are on your lower back is to support your back as you lean backward. Hold this position for five seconds before returning slowly to the starting position. Repeat a total of five times.

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Sore after a long run or lower-body workout? Did you stand for too long and feel the tightness working its way up the back of your leg? Do you finally want to be able to bend over and touch your toes without experiencing agony? These hamstring stretches will help loosen your up in all the right ways!

Tight hamstrings are a very common problem caused by tight glutes or hip flexors. Overuse from intense activities, or even sitting for too long, can cause stiffness or aching in the back of the thigh. When you regularly stretch your hamstrings, the muscle groups located at the back of the thigh, you may help prevent injury and improve flexibility. Additionally, stretching your hamstrings may also improve overall mobility and relieve lower back pain. 

According to experts, a general hamstring flexibility program can help improve the way your hamstrings move. If the following stretches seem beneficial for you, go ahead and try them out, but be sure to listen to your body and don’t over-stretch. Should you want to discuss these stretches with a physical therapist or healthcare professional, you can do that as well to ensure they are safe and effective for you.

Simple Hamstring Stretch

This is the best place to start, but proceed with caution if you have low back pain or sciatica as it may place strain on the back. That is why you have to try your best to hinge at the hips and keep your back flat during the stretch. To do the stretch, sit on the floor with both legs extended out straight. Reach your arms forward toward your feet, hinging at the hips and keeping your back straight. Aim to keep your knees straight as well. Once you feel a stretch in your hamstrings, hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds. Return to the starting position and repeat two more times. 

Hurdler Hamstring Stretch

This is very similar to the previous stretch, only this isolates the stretch to one leg at a time. Sit on the floor with your right leg extended straight out. Bend your left leg and bring the sole of your left foot to your right inner thigh. This mimics the position of a hurdler leaping over a hurdle. Reach your arms forward toward your right foot, hinging at the waist and keeping your back straight. When you feel a stretch, hold that position for 10 to 20 seconds before returning to the starting position. Repeat on the other leg. 

Lying Hamstring Stretch

If you overexert your leg muscles, this is an excellent stretch to do during your cool down session. You’ll need a resistance band for this stretch, but you can also use a towel if you don’t have a band. Lie flat on your back and loop a towel or resistance band around the ball of your right foot. Grab the towel or band firmly with your hands. Extend your left leg out in front of you and slowly stretch your right leg up, extending the sole of your right foot toward the ceiling. Aim to keep both knees straight. Relax your right ankle and pull the towel or band to stretch your calf and hamstring. Hold this stretch for one minute and then switch sides. 

Downward Dog Bend & Stretch

A lot of yoga poses help to improve hamstring mobility, and that is especially true for this variation of downward dog. Begin on all fours in a tabletop position, stacking your shoulders directly over your wrists and hips over your knees. Lift your hips up and back and straighten your legs to enter downward dog. Get comfortable in this position and do your best to widen your shoulders and keep your back straight. Bend both knees a little and reach your tailbone toward the ceiling. Hold this position for three breaths before straightening your legs to enter downward dog again, where you’ll hold for three breaths. That is one repetition and you should aim to do five to 10 reps. 

Standing Forward Fold

This forward fold is an easy hamstring stretch that uses gravity to achieve a deeper stretch. Just like in the simple hamstring stretch, proceed with caution in this pose if you have a sore low back. Alternatively, choose another stretch from this list that is better for your back. Stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart. On an inhale, extend your arms overhead and hold for a moment. As you exhale, hinge at the hips to fold forward. Aim to touch your hands to the ground, but only go as far as you can without bending your knees. If you cannot reach your toes, place your hands on your shins and rest in that position. If you want to deepen your stretch, bend your arms and grab your elbows, allowing gravity to do the work. You can also engage your quadriceps to deepen the stretch. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds and then return to the starting position.

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The post The Best Stretches For Tight Hamstrings appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.