Remember the old joke that your job is slowly killing you, but it might actually be true if you sit many hours a day. "Sitting is the new smoking" and many of us stay seated all day looking over a keyboard staring at the computer screen for hours. This can contribute to tightness in the hips and legs, in addition to neck, shoulder and lower back pain. Being seated all day at a desk can also create an unhealthy posture that stays with you after you leave the office desk. Shoulders hunch down and the neck protrudes forward...you get the picture. Now add the smartphone in the mix where we all are just looking down on it with your neck in a funky position . No wonder why we are all jacked up. If you only do one yoga pose after a long day at work, make it a Crescent lunge (high or low). This pose is almost exact opposite of sitting. Crescent Lunge stretches the legs, groin, spine, and hip flexor, while also opening the front torso, chest, and shoulders. These muscle are usually in a shorten position as we are sitting at the desk. Crescent Lunge not just helps you lengthen these muscles to help with muscular imbalances. It also strengthens and tones the thighs, hips, and butt, while the balancing aspect helps to develop flexible stability. Crescent Lunge helps the front of the body to expand, which increases air flow to your lunge, increase energy and reduces fatigue. Step By Step
BUT here is more... Something cool happens when you squeeze your glute in this posture. Your hip flexor relaxes and allow itself to stretch even more (I am only talking about your glute on the same side of your back leg). This is called reciprocal inhibition. Our muscles act in pairs and coordinate with each other. When we contract our muscles (glutes), opposing muscles have to relax (hip flexors) to prevent tearing in muscle. Do this several times a day and hold this pose for about 10-15 seconds each side. You will start to notice more stability in your hips and lower body. Any lower back discomfort may start to improve. AUTHOR
Montree Rung Certified personal trainer Certified sport yoga
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