02 Handout 3
02 Handout 3
02 Handout 3
Flexibility Exercises
• Piriformis Stretch
The piriformis muscle is a deep internal hip rotator located outside the butt. Its primary role is external
rotation. Sit on the floor with both legs extended in front of you. Cross your right leg over your left and
place your right foot flat on the floor. Place your right hand on the floor behind your body. Place your left
hand on your right quad or your left elbow on your right knee and press your right leg to the left as you
twist your torso to the right. If the spinal rotation bothers your back, take it out and use your left hand to
pull your right quad in and to the left.
• Triceps Stretch
Kneel, sit, or stand tall with feet hip-width apart and arms extended overhead. Bend your right elbow and
reach your right hand to touch the top middle of your back. Reach your left-hand overhead and grasp just
below your right elbow. Gently pull your right elbow down and toward your head. Switch arms and repeat.
• 90/90 Stretch
Sit with your right knee bent at 90 degrees in front of you, your calf perpendicular to your body, and the
sole of your foot facing to the left. Keep your right foot flexed. Let your leg rest flat on the floor. Place your
left knee to the left of your body, and bend the knee, so your foot faces behind you. Keep your left foot
flexed. Keep your right butt cheek on the floor. Try to move the left cheek as close to the floor as possible.
It may not be possible if you're super tight. Hold for 30 seconds to two (2) minutes. Repeat on the other
side.
• Frog Stretch
Start on all fours. Slide your knees wider than shoulder-width apart. Turn your toes out and rest the inner
edges of your feet flat on the floor. Shift your hips back toward your heels. Move from your hands to your
forearms to get a deeper stretch, if possible. Hold for 30 seconds to two (2) minutes.
• Butterfly Stretch
Sit tall on the floor with the soles of your feet and your knees bent out to the sides. Hold onto your ankles
or feet, engage your abs, and slowly lower your body toward your feet as far as you can while pressing
your knees toward the floor. If you're too tight to bend over, press your knees. Hold this stretch for 30
seconds to two (2) minutes.
• Sphinx Pose
Lie on your stomach with your legs straight out behind you. Place your elbows under your shoulders and
your forearms on the floor as you lift your chest off the floor. Press your hips and thighs into the floor, and
think about lengthening your spine while keeping your shoulders relaxed. Sit up just enough to feel a nice
stretch in your lower back. Don't hyperextend, and stop immediately if you start to feel any discomfort or
pain.
• Pretzel Stretch
Lie on your left side with your head resting on your arm. Bend your right knee and hip as far as possible
toward your chest, and let them drop to the floor. Bend your left knee and grab your left foot (use a strap
if you can’t reach it) with your right hand. Make sure your leg and torso remain straight as you gently bring
your top shoulder blade toward the floor. For more of a spinal twist, turn your head to look over your right
shoulder.
• Reclining Bound Angle Pose
Lie on your back. Bring the soles of your feet together and allow your knees to open up and move closer
to the floor. Hold for 30 seconds to two (2) minutes.
• Knees to Chest
Lie on your back and pull your knees into your chest with both hands. Keep your lower back on the floor.
Hold for 30 seconds to two (2) minutes.
Reference:
Marturana, A. (2018, January 2). The 21 best stretching exercises for better flexibility. Retrieved from https://www.self.com/gallery/essential-stretches-slideshow