Tag Archives: leg exercise

Standing Glues Strech – Treat your back pain while waiting for a train

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glutes stretch illustration

Mel is stretching her glutes and practing balance while waiting for a train.

Experiencing pain in your lower back or hips?
You are not alone and tight glutes may be one reason for this. The glutes, or gluteus maximus as they are called are basically your butt and they tend to get tight if you sit down a lot, and especially if you sit with your legs crossed. You should as often as possible stretch your glutes to open up your hips.

The standing glutes stretch might be a difficult exercise, but it’s also one of the most versatile exercises there are since it not only stretches your glutes, but at the same time includes balance in the exercise.

HOW:
Stand on your left leg and place your right ankle on your left thigh. Lower yourself down as you push your hips back to a seated position. You will feel tension in the right side of your butt. You can keep your hands at your hips or help the stretch by gently pressing on the right knee. Hold the position for the desired amount of time and then switch to the other side. Remember to breathe during the stretch. If you have trouble keeping your balance you can find something to hold on to.

Try this exercise when waiting for a train or maybe when waiting for water to boil in the kitchen.

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illustration how to stretch inner thighs in bed

Stretch inner thighs in bed

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illustration how to stretch inner thighs in bed
Mel is stretching her inner thighs and groin region in bed after a long day at work.

Flexible inner thighs are good for general mobility and will help for running, walking, swimming, biking etc. The purpose of the muscles in your inner thighs, called adductors, is to pull your legs together. The adductors are engaged but squeezing your legs together.

This is one of the easiest inner thigh and groin stretches you can do and it’s perfect to do in bed just before going to sleep at night.

HOW:
Lay on your back in bed and put the soles of your feet together while bending your legs. Gently open up your legs by pressing your knees out to the sides. You can adjust the stretch to fit your agility level by positioning your feet close or far away from you. It’s easier with your feet further away. If needed, you can place your hands on your thighs to add a bit of extra pressure. Hold the position for the desired amount of time and then repeat.

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illustration of woman running up stairs

Running stairs – a cardio workout which shapes your butt

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illustration of woman running up stairs
Exercises: Legs, butt & cardio

Walking stairs instead of taking the elevator is step one to achieving an active lifestyle. When you feel comfortable walking up stairs it’s time to kick it up a notch and start sprinting up stairs.

The awesome thing about running stairs is that it’s a very effective cardiovascular workout and you can quickly raise your pulse. If you put your mind to it you will have your heart racing in just a few floors. This is also the kind f exercise which really burns calories and if your goal is a well toned butt then this is the exercise for you.

How:
If the stairs are of normal size you should step on every stair. Lift your knees up high and keep a high pitched pace. The main thing about running stairs is that you run on your toes and not your heels. Make sure you push off with all muscles in your lower body; calves, thighs and butt. Don’t just let your knees do the work. Also get your arms involved and swing them back and forth when running, don’t shrug. Focus on keeping a high pace, this will get your heart pumping and you’ll improve your conditioning level.

Once you have mastered running on every stair you can try to only step on every other stair.

Something to keep in mind is that running stairs puts a lot of stress on your knees and lower body, so stop if you exercise pain.

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