Flexibility training can help relieve tension and pain in your lower back, and back stretching exercises may also prevent injuries and can even improve your performance in activities like golf and dance routines. It's especially common for your lower back area to become strained or feel tight if you sit in a desk all day. Try these stretching exercises to increase your lower back flexibility.
The simplest lower back stretch can be done throughout the day while sitting at your desk. Sit up tall in your chair and reach your right arm over to the left side of the chair's back. Keeping your spine long, use your arm to pull your body around in a twisting motion to the left as far as you can go. Hold for ten seconds. Repeat this stretch on the other side.
You should also add the side-reach to your flexibility workout. Stand with your knees slightly bent and arms by your sides. Stretch your right arm up and over to the left side. Keep your torso lengthened as you reach. You'll not only improve lower back flexibility, but also stretch your side abdominals.
Another flexibility strength training exercise, the half wheel, will improve your lower back in both range of motion and strength. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. With your arms at your sides, raise your hips up off the floor, keeping your thighs parallel and knees bent at a 90-degree angle. If you can, rock your body side to side to bring your shoulders inward. Clasp your hands together underneath your torso. Hold for a few breaths, lower yourself down slowly and repeat three times.
 | Flexibility exercises improve your balance and enhance your ability to perform in sports and other daily activities which becomes increasingly important as we age. |
 | When you think of flexibility, the first thing that comes to mind is probably stretching exercises or yoga. Improving your stretching flexibility through strength training is one important method to try. |
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Your ankles are probably one of the last body parts you think about when it comes to flexibility training, but improving flexibility in these important joints can help prevent injuries and can give you an edge in sports like swimming and soccer. |
Whatever the reason, if you have sore upper muscles in your shoulders and back, try these shoulder stretching exercises to loosen up the shoulder girdle. |
