Spring Stretch

May 6, 2008

Now is the time to get flexible

Spring is a great time to work on your flexibility. The weather is getting warmer, flowers are reaching for the sky. It’s time to start a conversation with those hibernating hamstrings. Try this lengthening routine to move into the spring with more ease.  
 
Lots of us want to become more flexible. There are no shortcuts when it comes to lengthening balled up muscles. It takes regular practice.  These hamstring openers are a great start. Repeat these poses daily and you will see improvement.

Tara’s Tip:  When working on your flexibility make sure to breathe deep long breaths. Hang in there! Remember, a part of yoga is controlling your thoughts when they stray away. Use your brain to your benefit by concentrating on the muscles as they let go.  


The Poses:

Low Lunge


Difficulty level: Super easy
What it does for me: Starts to warm up the hips
Why should I care: Baby steps towards flexibility
Tara’s Tip: Bring your forearms to the ground for a flexibility bonus

Make your way in to a low lunge.  Drop your back knee to the ground and bring your hands up on your front knee for a good passive stretch in the front of your hip .


Place your hands on the ground and straighten your back leg for a more active stretch. Hold for at least three deep breaths. Repeat on the other side.


Straight Leg Hamstring Stretch


Difficulty level: Working harder
What it does for me: Loosens up hamstrings…still warming up here
Why should I care: This pose helps flexibility in a major way
Tara’s Tip: Keep your hips squared to your front leg

From a low lunge, bring your back foot in about a foot and turn your heel down to the ground.


Square your hips to your front leg, and relax your torso over your front leg. Breathe into your hamstring for at least three deep breaths. Repeat on the other side.