This seated stretch can stop the pain in your a**
Let’s be honest. A lot of us sit for WAY too many hours in a day. According to a report published in Annals of Internal Medicine, the average person spends more than half of his or her waking hours in an inactive state (sitting at a computer, watching TV, using a cell phone, commuting to and from work, etc). Sitting has been linked to a number of health problems ranging from low back pain, weak glutes, tight hips, neck pain….. and studies have shown it can put you at an increased risk for developing certain types of cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
If you have to spend a big part of your day seated, make an extra effort to get up and move around when you can. In my ideal world for every hour you sit, you would get up and move your body for 10 minutes. I know that isn’t always a feasible option, so if life has you stuck in an idle position, try this simple seated stretch to bring more movement and flexibility to your hips and glutes.
Directions: Sit in a chair. Begin with both feet on the floor. Start by lifting your right leg, bending it at the knee so it crosses over your left leg. Your right ankle rests on your left thigh just above the knee. (Picture a “figure 4”). Gently place your hands with one resting on your knee and the other resting on your ankle. Sit upright and slowly fold your torso forward, pressing gently into the right knee. Hold the pose for 20-30 seconds. Relax. Repeat 3 times per leg.
Give it a try, your glutes will thank you for it!