Couch-ercises: Five Great Stretches For The Couch Potato In You


by Leslie Silverman

Navigating the refrigerator And the toilet takes more than just a burning desire

Sprains, Pains and Strains, Oh My!

All of you who read 'Stretching For Dummies' already know muscle damage is the most commonly reported accidental injury on the planet. It accounts for better than 30% of all office visits to sports medicine practices and puts a huge, um, 'strain' on an already 'over extended' and unhealthy medical system.

While it may first seem contradictory, the fact is that couch potatoes stand a greater chance of injury than do those who are more active. Neglected and unmaintained muscles go the same route as wisdom teeth,-slowly and surely into obscurity! While it is possible to easily 'move on' without ones wisdom teeth-the same may not be stated so confidently where ones muscles are concerned.

Without the long strong muscles necessary to support the skeleton when engaged in any movement-including breathing-injury becomes far more likely! Like any vehicle, a lack of maintenance can only lead to depreciation.-and your body IS your vehicle! Atrophy is muscle loss and weakness that can-oh so easily-lead to emergency rooms, pain and inconvenience!

To be able to nimbly navigate both the refrigerator AND the toilet before the two minute commercial break is over takes more than just a burning desire-or years of experience!

The reality is that this time honored sequence of events requires a dexterity and nimbleness that even the most committed of couch potatoes begins to lose if the tools necessary to safely complete the task are not kept well oiled and honed.

Short, tight, or weak muscles will never get you back to the couch on time! Her e are some 'couchercises' that can help keep what motors you through life primed and ready to run-if only to the fridge and back to the couch!

Lying on back (Of course): Keeping shoulders away from ears (long stretch)-press left ear towards left shoulder-stretching right neck muscles. Hold for 20 deep, steady breaths. Repeat on opposite side.

Lying on back(of course): Keeping shoulders away from ears (long neck)-reach one extended arm across body using opposite hand to pull it to gently pull it closer towards chest-stretching shoulder and upper back. Hold for 20 deep, steady breaths. Repeat on other side. Lying on back (of course): Pull one leg gently towards face. Stop when the stretch through the hamstring becomes somewhat uncomfortable. Hold for 20 deep, steady breaths. Repeat on opposite side.

Lying on sides (Yes, roll it over, sista!): Supporting head on hand, use other hand to pull ankle of top leg towards butt. Stop when the stretch through the quadriceps becomes somewhat uncomfortable. Make sure to keep hips stacked squarely on top of one another during the entire exercise. Hold for 20 deep, steady breaths. Repeat on the opposite side.

Sitting in an upright position (It had to happen sometime, bud!):Cross legs 'man style'-one ankle over opposite knee-gently pressing crossed knee towards floor. Stop when the stretch to the outer thigh becomes somewhat uncomfortable. Hold for 20 deep, steady breaths. To increase stretch, press chest forward and down towards bent knee. Repeat on opposite side. Bonus: This can also be done 'lying on back' (of course).

You are now far more likely to successfully reach beer, the munchies, OR the bathroom! Best to be prepared for whatever life throws at you!

About the Author

Leslie Silverrman is a popular writer who posts regularly at http://www.triond.com/users/ImKarn23

Check out at popular fitness plan at http://2df4feph6qicb0ec3uzgeds3yc.hop.clickbank.net/

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