Let’s face it- we all spend a whole lot of time sitting down. In fact, studies have shown that many Americans are largely inactive. Walking even 4,000 steps through an entire day can reduce the risk of all-cause mortality. The benefits of staying active are significant and walking is one way to ward off extra weight, stay limber, decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, improve your mental state, and more. But, for those times that you can’t be up and about, seated stretches and exercises are a great way to benefit our health.
This week’s exercise is a seated glute stretch. It is easy as can be. It stretches your glutes, which can reduce lower back pain, stiff hips, and overall tension.
- Sit in a chair, bench, steps, etc where you can bend your legs and your thighs will be parallel to the floor.
- Raise one ankle and set it on the opposite knee.
- You can gently pull the bent knee towards your body for a bit more of a stretch and/or slowly hinge forward at your hips.
- Hold to the count of 10, then switch sides.
- Repeat several times throughout the day to get the blood flowing and to stretch your glutes.
Please speak to your provider before starting any new exercise regimen.
