6 Stretches for a Lean, Limber Body
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Pages in this Story:
- Stretch for Greater Flexibility
- 1. Active Pigeon
- 2. C-Curve
- 3. Modified Cobra
- 4. Hamstring Stretch Series
- 5. Split Squat
- 6. Quadrupeds
- The Best Time to Stretch
- The Forgotten Area You Must Work
1. Active Pigeon
Target: The Piriformis (a deep gluteal muscle)
- Begin in a full push-up position, palms aligned under shoulders.
- Place left knee on the floor near shoulder with left heel by right hip.
- Lower down to forearms and bring right leg down with the top of the foot on the floor (not shown).
- Keep chest lifted to the wall in front of you, gazing down.
- If you're more flexible, bring chest down to floor and extend arms in front of you.
- Pull navel in toward spine and tighten your pelvic-floor muscles; contract right side of glutes.
- Curl right toes under while pressing ball of foot into the floor, pushing through your heel.
- Bend knee to floor and release; do 5 reps total, then switch sides and repeat.
Next: 2. C-Curve
