So many of us have developed postural imbalances as a result of our modern sedentary lives. Office jobs that require us to sit for so many hours in front of a computer leads to so many injuries and problems, such as stiffness and movement dysfunctions, specially around our low back, hips, spine, hamstrings, neck, upper back, shoulders, knees, and the list goes on… Flexibility has become one of the most important ways to help us prevent and treat various injuries. I work with all of my clients to help them achieve optimal flexibility. This step is crucial to help them reach their personal fitness goals. If you are still not able to touch your toes, that could be a sign that your hips are stiff, your spine is not stable, and when you are exercising, you could be in a hard incidence of calf strain, hamstring pulls, lower back pain, and even neck pain and tension headaches (remember, the whole body is connected). But, worry not, for everything has a solution! If you are someone who has no experience with this stretch, it could take you three weeks to up to a month, depending on your determination to do this task. You could start by working on your hip hinge movement, and then progress to trying to touch your toes. Standing up, everyday, try to reach as far as you can, with your head down. Inch your fingers a little more than you think you can. Every time you do this stretch, inch your fingers closer to your toes, and hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Even if you already can do this stretch, it is crucial that every day or every other day you hold your toes for 30 to 60 seconds. It is a bit harder to do this stretch while standing up and reaching down, but I’m positive you can do it! 🙂 One of the best times to stretch is right after cardio, exercise, or a warm shower! Make sure that your muscles are nice and warm before stretching, and try to stretch everyday! If you just keep it up, soon enough you will be working on your front splits!
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