How to Stay in Shape During Winter - continued
Hip Flexor Stretch -- stretches hip flexor muscles.
Kneel on your right knee and extend your left leg out in front of you at a 90-degree angle. Keeping your back straight, push your hips forward until you feel a good stretch in the front of your right leg. Hold for 30 seconds, squeezing your right glute muscle for a deeper stretch in the hip. Repeat on the other side.
Seated Rotational Stretch -- increases shoulder turn and torso flexibility while providing resistance from hips.
From a seated position on the floor, cross your right leg over your left. Rotate your torso to the right and place your left elbow over the outside of your right knee. Using your left elbow as a lever, push against your right leg to stretch your torso as far as your range of motion will allow. Hold the end position for 30 seconds, then repeat on the opposite side.
Seated Club Stretch -- maximizes coil in the backswing.
Sit on the edge of a chair or an exercise ball, securing a club behind your back with both arms. Slowly rotate to your right side until your left arm is directly in front of you, and hold the position for 30 seconds. Place your left hand on either thigh--depending on your flexibility--to assist in rotating your shoulders farther behind you. Rotate back to center and repeat with your left side.
The Bridge – stretches hamstrings, calf muscles and Achilles tendon.
Kneel with your hands directly below your shoulders with both arms extended. Your toes should point down. Straighten both knees to raise your rear up toward the ceiling. Rock your heels backward to the floor as best you can. Hold this position for 30 seconds, keeping your heels as close to the floor as possible.
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