Build a Better Dad

By Kristen Dollard

A few moves will boost his health and strengthen his game

For Runners: A Longer Stride
The Intense Side Stretch pose (Parsvottanasana) lengthens the hamstrings and opens the hip flexors, both of which are contracted in runners.

The routine: Standing in Mountain pose (Tadasana), step one foot 4 feet in front of the other. The distance between the feet is hip’s width or at least two fists apart. With your hands on your hips, square your hips over the front leg, arch the upper back slightly and, keeping the lift in the chest, begin to fold forward at the waist, keeping the belly in and squaring the shoulders over the front foot. As you find your edge—the deepest forward bend you can manage—keep the hips level and the knees straight. For support, you can either place a block on each side of the front foot and rest the palms on the blocks while you lift the chest or place your palms on the wall for support.

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