5 stretches all athletes MUST do!

23 Jan 5 stretches all athletes MUST do!

Stretching is IMPERATIVE.

Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints.

When you dont stretch the muscles become shortened and tight, recipe for injury city!

Here are my top 5 stretches that every athlete needs to do!

Happy Stretching! xo Jen

1. Runner’s Lunge with Side Stretch
Directions:
Assume a lunge position with your forward knee bent over your foot and your back leg extended behind you.
Bring your opposite arm over your head and lean into the stretch.
Drop your knee to the ground for a deeper stretch.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Muscles stretched: Hip flexors, obliques

2. Sitting Hamstring Stretch
Directions:
Sit on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you.
Bend one leg in at the knee.
Slowly bend forward from hips toward foot of straight leg until you feel slight stretch.
Hold for 30 to 45 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
Muscles stretched: Hamstrings, lower back

3. Pigeon Pose
Directions:
Cross one knee in front of you while keeping the opposite leg straight behind you.
Place both hands on the ground in front of you and slowly lower your upper body down as low as possible.
Hold for 30-60 seconds then switch sides.
Muscles stretched: Hips, glutes, lower back

4. Chest Opener Stretch
Directions:
Stand or sit with your back straight and shoulders pulled back.
Reach behind you and clasp both hands together.
Bring hands up toward your head as far as possible.
Hold for 30-45 seconds.
Muscles stretched: Chest, shoulders

5. Runner’s Lunge with Quad Stretch
Directions:
Assume a lunge position with your forward knee bent over your foot and your back leg extended behind you.
Drop your knee to the ground.
Tighten your core and squeeze your glutes.
Reach your arm back and grab your foot or ankle and pull forward to stretch.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Muscles stretched: Hip flexors, quads (front of legs)