This is my first 30 day challenge on Steemit, I plan to complete a few more and post the results with the hope that some of you will follow along with me (and keep me honest!).
Now I'm sure you'll be wondering why I would even bother doing this. Why does it really matter being able to touch your toes?
Me currently trying to touch my toes (this is after warming up). The struggle is real.
I'm 6ft 2, so I consider myself to be tall, I have consistently had back problems throughout my life (especially in the lower back). Now I'm training to be an electrician and find myself always crouching over or squeezing through tight roof spaces. While doing this my knees legs and back are so tight and I can't stay in a position for a long time and in general just makes everything a bit harder. Even while training for my marathon my knees went due to my tight hip flexors causing an uneven running stride.
The ability to touch your toes means you have good flexibility through your hamstrings, glutes and hips flexors (which all link through to muscles in your lower back). If any of the aforementioned muscles are tight they can pull down on your back, causing strain (especially when you place yourself in position that stretches them). This strain is what gives you a sore back which is a massive problem for many people.
My plan:
Every morning for 30 days conduct a stretching routine. That's it. I will try update you how it is all going through the process.
The routine I will be doing is from Here all credit to www.self.com. This routine is mostly yoga. Please visit the website to view the stretches properly.
- Seated straddle.
- Cat/Cow.
- Kneeling hamstring stretch.
- Toe reach with band.
- Lying hamstring stretch.
- Pigeon pose.
- Figure four stretch.
- Magic trick.
Before you attempt to stretch make sure you warm up! No point in stretching a frozen rubber band! A good warm up would be 20 - 30 burpees starting slow.
You will need a light resistance band to do some of these stretches like the one below. Should be able to pick one up for < $5USD.
Good luck!