Understanding the difference between dynamic and static stretching is essential for improving muscle elasticity and preventing injury. Discover targeted stretches for tight hamstrings and learn how to safely relieve a stiff neck or heel cord tension.
If you're a runner, the pounding on your feet and ankles can lead to general soreness of your ankle joints and muscles. Sore ankles can also be the symptom of tight muscles, arthritis, tendinitis, muscle strains or a minor ankle sprain.
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Whether you use a foam roller, massage balls or any other product to manage your aches and pains, here's everything you need to know about self-myofascial release (SMR).
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If you're not stretching after your workout, you could be putting yourself at risk for injury. Here are 9 stretches you can (and should) do after a sweat session.
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It's week 3 of the LIVESTRONG.COM Push-Up Challenge, and if you're feeling a bit sore, you're not alone. Here are some stretches you can do.
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Don't let the pain from your period cramps ruin your week! Here are nine yoga poses you can do anywhere to help get some relief.
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The dreaded headache. Let’s face it: We’ve all fallen victim to this pain. While there are different types of headaches, let’s focus on headaches that occur from the muscles and joints of the upper neck. This area of the body can become too tight, putting pressure on the nerves and tissues at the top of the spine.
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A bad back can be a royal pain in the … well, back. And it’s on the rise, whether because of using computers and mobile phones all day, carrying heavy “it” purses and cool messenger bags, or sitting in chairs for hours on end.
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If you want your hips to perform, you need to give them some love with frequent stretching before and after exercise.
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This drill opens up your hips, extends your spine, stretches and rotates your shoulders, expands your chest and activates your glutes and core.
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If the outer calf (the gastrocnemius muscle) feels particularly tight, stretching this area could provide relief.
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If progress is slowing with your current stretching routine, or you're simply getting bored, try swapping out your stretches!
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One powerfully simple method is to use gentle pressure and your own body weight to release the body’s connective tissue. Foam rolling does just that.
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Getting a massage every week sounds amazing — if we could only afford it. Fortunately, there are stretches you can do at home to loosen up all your tight muscles and feel as good as if you’d had an actual massage. (OK, almost as good.
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Stretching after an ab workout eases soreness in the lower abs and prepares your body for your next workout.
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If you find yourself slouching a lot, you probably have tightness in your upper- and mid-back muscles. Stretches improve flexibility in these muscles.
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An area of fat on the upper back, between the shoulder blades and just below the base of the neck, is referred to as a buffalo hump. An accumulation of fat in this area can be indicative of excess weight or a symptom of a disease.
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Your hips are just one of the areas of your body that are prone to tightness and injury if you are a runner. Every stride that you make requires your hip joint to pull forward, and every time that you plant your foot on the pavement, your hips feel the impact.
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Low back stretches improve flexibility when performed regularly. Stretch every day for best results.
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To gain back flexibility, you need to stretch your obliques, abdominal muscles, hip flexors and obliques, as well as your back muscles.
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Fortunately, most people can restore or improve their skeletal alignment by stretching and strengthening key muscles.
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