3 Simple Stretches to Target The Entire Body
In the accompanying video, the Livinleggings Studio puts forth a super efficient stretching routine that in just three exercises targets the entire body.
Stretch #1 - Table Top Stretch
For this stretch you position yourself on all fours with the front of your body facing upwards. It’s best to view the video at the 0:35 mark to demonstrate.
Interestingly, some people have mentioned to me that they have trouble slipping when they are doing some types of stretches. I suggested that they get some of these Ozaiic Non-Slip Yoga Socks and they work a treat!
You can add an interesting variation to this stretch by stepping back with a foot. This adds a stretch for the feet. It helps one to maintain proper blood flow, supports healthy foot arches, and provides benefits to the rest of the body because it loosens up the fascia. That last part helps the overall flexibility applied to the remaining exercises. In general, this stretch helps to lengthen the front of the body.
What is the fascia?
Erin from Fascia-Fix.com explains the fascia as –
“Fascia is the connective tissue that runs throughout your whole body, wrapping around and throughout muscles, suspending organs, while integrating the nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic systems. When it gets tight or bound up, it pulls and restricts the muscles, causing imbalances that lead to chronic misalignment of the body.”
Stretch #2 - Targets The Back of The Body
Next, stretch 2 targets the back of the body. It benefits your ability to bend, squat, and fold, and it reduces chances of back pain. Using a stick, strap, or rolled up pair of socks, place the item in your hip crease as you go down into low squat. This is demonstrated at mark 2:52 on the video.
To make it easier, you can slightly elevate your heels with a weight plate or books. Press your hips up toward the sky. This will stretch your hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.
Stretch #3 - Targets the Inner Thighs, Lats and Triceps
Finally, the last of our 3 stretches improves your shoulder mobility, and assists with ability to squat low, and it improves your overall posture. The demonstration of this stretch begins at 5:02 in the video.
Then from a one-kneeled position, do a lunge 45 degrees to the other side. The upper body stretches as well, twisting around so that you are looking upward and holding the back of your head with your free hand. It’s best to follow the instructions while watching the video.
Conclusion
These 3 stretches cover most of the body. The overall routine should take between 5 to 10 minutes and is a great introduction to overall flexibility. In summary, the first stretch targets the front of the body, the second targets the back, and finally, the last stretch gets to the inner thighs, lats and triceps.
I find this routine to be a great way to target the entire body with a minimum of exercises, and I highly recommend it!
