Fast Fitness - Better Standing Hamstring, Achilles, and Inside Leg Stretch

Here is Fast Friday Fitness - get a better stretch for the hamstring of the standing leg when stretching the other leg to the side:

1. When you stand with one leg stretching to the side, notice the leg you are standing on. It is common to stand with the foot turned outward and the hip rounded under you.
2. Instead, turn the standing leg to face directly ahead. Knee and toes straight forward. Not turned out, not even a small amount. Stand straight.
   
3. Notice the stretch move to the back of your leg.
   

Stand straight without leaning over, rounding your upper body, or letting your hip round under you. This is different from the way most people are used to.

The straighter you stand, the more stretch, while training the function of healthy posture - a functional stretch. You need to be able to lift one leg without being so tight that your back rounds and your hip rolls under. Think of stairs, kicks for dancing, aerobics, martial arts, stepping over things, stairs, much real life. If you are not only using bad mechanics for daily life, but training unhealthful tight mechanics with conventional bent over stretching, what are you accomplishing?

If you can't stand straight, lower your leg to where you can. There is little point stretching for health while practicing unhealthful ways.

Last year Leslie was featured knocking off 30 push-ups in Are You Stronger Than A 67 Year Old Lady?

What has happened in a year? She can now do 40 push-ups. We just don't have a video camera. While we get one, click the link to do your push-ups with her each morning while it is still only 30.

Related:
Sitting Badly Isn't Magically Healthy by Calling It a Hamstring Stretch
Quick Hamstring Stretch At Work
Doorway Hamstring Stretch
Healthier Hamstring Stretching

Labels: achilles stretch, aging, fast fitness, hamstring, hip stretch, leg stretch, martial arts, readers inspiring story, stretch, upper back, yoga

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