A POST-WORK OUT STRETCH FOR RECOVERY AND RELIEF
EARN IT
AT EASE !
A POST-WORK OUT STRETCH FOR RECOVERY AND RELIEF
By Bee Bosnak Model : Bee Bosnak | Photos : Ray Tamarra
WE ALL KNOW THE IM- PORTANCE OF STRETCH- ING PRE-WORKOUT , BUT WHAT ABOUT POST- WORKOUT ? STRETCHING AFTER A WORKOUT IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED AND IS KEY TO REDUCING MUSCLE TENSION . Strenuous exercise can be draining and exhausting to the body and also leave you feeling fatigued . Yoga poses post workout can actually shift that experience and make you feel rested , calm and relaxed . With the proper breathing and correct alignment , you can reap the benefits for your muscle repair and recovery .
Being consistent with a short yoga sequence , post work-out will result in improved circulation , pain prevention , greater range of motion , increased energy levels , increased muscular coordination , and helps to reduce cramping . Your mind has a chance to tune into how your body is feeling and this mind-body connection plays an important role for relaxation and stress relief .
The following sequence is a post-athletic tune up that opens the body especially the upper and lower back as well as shoulders , hamstrings , spine and increases flexibility , which will enhance performance and prevent injury . You will feel a sense of expansion and ease .
2 . Low Lunge :
EXECUTION
• From hands and knees , step your right leg forward in between your hands .
• Keep your front ankle below the knee joint and reach your arms up to the sky .
• Find a stretch in the back front thigh , the psoas muscle .
• Reach your arms up , palms facing each other .
If you ' d like to go deeper , take hands to the ground or on a yoga block for more support . Hug inner thighs and keep pelvis level to avoid irritation of the sacrum . Hold here for 5 breaths and switch sides .
6 MUSCLE MEMORY | APRIL / MAY 2018