Never underestimate the value of a stretch focused on those parts of your body that are most at risk for injury. All manner of muscle development can be undermined if you’re not getting those same muscles limber before a workout. Thankfully, Consumer Reports has released a guide to simple stretches that can have a big upside for your longterm health, especially if it means you can ward off the back troubles that often necessitate a lumbar spinal fusion surgery.
One of the first things to pay attention to is your back. When your lower back is strong, you can get more out of almost every other muscle in your body. There’s one stretch in particular that you can try right now. All you have to do is sit down and pull one foot into your thigh while the other points forward. With that complete, lean forward, trying to bring your hand as close to your toes as possible. Do this on both sides. This simple stretch that you likely engaged in during physical education class in elementary school holds immense value at later stages of life, as it can keep your back loose to protect your spine.
Protecting your back is a goal that can also be accomplished through doing work on your abdominal muscles. Consumer Reports touts the benefit of a plank in this regard. Basically, you act like you’re doing a push-up but then you keep yourself held in the up position for up to a minute. This engages your legs, arms, and core, so it’s a great stretch for those looking to optimize their exercise.
For more stretches to improve your fitness, click the link above.
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