What stretching routine do you do to cool down?

GraceEsther
GraceEsther Posts: 37 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I would love some more stretching ideas, I do the basic don't knot up stretches but need some more variety. Oh, and i'm not super flexible so no turning inside out stretches please!

Replies

  • linbeebee
    linbeebee Posts: 10
    Do you do any yoga stretches? Downward dog is great for full body, and it really emphasizes hamstring/calf stretching. I also really like the triangle pose; opens my hips up like crazy!
  • notRapunsel
    notRapunsel Posts: 23
    Hmm... okay, lol, you sound like me! I am not very flexible either, and apparently I haven't been stretching enough because I just strained some muscle in my leg a few days ago and that pretty much has me off any running for the next week or so. :(

    I usually just touch my toes (from standing up) about thirty seconds, sit down and do the same thing, and then fold one leg behind me and stretch to the other in front, alternating legs. (It's kinda hard to explain, but pretty simple!) Sometimes I stand up and hold one leg behind me touching my backside to stretch more up, and after that, I lean one foot on a wall and take a big step back to feel the stretch in my legs also. If I'm really feeling up to it, I'll spread my feet apart, put my hands out, and pretend like a huge robot, alternating touching opposite hands to feet. And of course, I always make sure to shake out my arms really well and give my neck a few cracks!

    Whew! That sound really complicated, but it only takes about thirty seconds for each stretch, so maybe five minutes tops. In reality, I hate stretching though, so sometimes I stretch a lot, and sometimes I just rush through (and get strained muscles!).
  • gxm17
    gxm17 Posts: 374
    My favorite cool down routine is Rodney Yee's Forward Bends practice. It's on his "AM Yoga for Your Week" DVD. You don't have to be flexible to do yoga. It's not about competition or the "perfect" pose—it's about doing the best within your ability and knowing when to push your body and when to take a break. Linbeebee makes good recommendations with triangle and down dog. There are pose descriptions online if you google them.
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