Hi Warriors!
It’s that time of year where it seems like everyone has tight hips and hamstrings… lots of people training for a fall marathon and enjoying extra hiking and biking outdoors.
Whatever the case, when hips and hamstrings get tight, it also leads to tight low backs and can eventually lead to other issues and imbalances.
We know that “consistency is the key” but everyone is super busy and it’s hard to make time to stretch. But the 5 – 10 minute a day investment in flexibility and recovery can pay off big time if you can avoid injuries caused by over-used, tight muscles.
It’s more beneficial and effective to stretch 10 minutes daily, than to cram in a 90 minute yoga class once a week.
The first video I ever posted to my Flexible Warrior Youtube channel was called “post run stretch” (posted below) and it is by far the most popular and most frequently watched, probably because it’s under 10 minutes and includes stretches for hips and hamstrings! 🙂 🙂
Since I’m getting lots of requests for stretches for runners lately (specifically with tight hips and hammies) I thought I’d take a moment to share a few of my YouTube Playlists…
No equipment needed. Most of my videos are 10 – 15 minutes. No excuses. Your body will thank you!
And BTW, if you’re an athlete (in season / in training) it’s more effective to practice restorative, gentle yoga than to take a power vinyasa class or high heat sweat fest that will only further deplete and dehydrate you. Off season is a whole different story, but while you’re in season, focus your yoga on flexibility and recovery to restore your mind and body…
BALANCE out your WILLPOWER with CHILLPOWER!
And remember, all the yoga in the world can’t help you if you’re eating like crap, over-training, aren’t sleeping well or are dehydrated (this is a whole other blog post). In the meantime, you can check out this post with Post Run Yoga, Self Massage and Recovery Smoothie.
OK, so take a 10 minute time out to stretch! Below are 3 videos to get you rolling in the right direction… and lots more videos when you subscribe to the Flexible Warrior YouTube Channel…
- Yoga for Runners / 9 Minute Post Run Stretch
2) Gentle Stretch for Recovery & Flexibility (18 Minutes)
3) Flexibility for Warriors (15 Minute Stretch for quads, hips and hamstrings)
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and STAY FLEXIBLE, WARRIORS!
If you need more support creating a flexibility and recovery program including yoga, nutrition, self-massage, essential oils and other self-care techniques, I offer personalized private coaching via Skype and Facetime or in person if you’re in the Baltimore area.
XO & Namaste
Karen Dubs
