If watching Olympic gymnasts leaping, twisting, and flipping has you realizing yourflexibilityisnt quite there anymore (ever?
The key word here ispassively: Most stretching is static, with the muscles at rest.
Or pick a few that target your tight spots and add them to your go-to warm-up or cooldown.
Photograph: Katie Thompson; Getty Images
Basically, theres no wrong time to get limber!
The Workout
What you need:Just your bodyweight.
The down dog portion is great for overhead mobility to counteract sitting for long periods of time.
Your hamstrings and calves will also get a nice stretch.
It also opens up your chest and shoulders, Ting says.
As you do this stretch, think about keeping your lower back relatively neutral, she adds.
Most of the rotation should happen in the shoulders and thoracic spine.
Ankle Circles in Lying Figure 4
Unsurprisingly, this move improves your ankle mobility.
But the figure four position also taps into hip mobility, Ting says.
Lying on your back in a relaxed position also relieves pressure from your spine, she adds.
Handcuff Drill
Your shoulders are the main focus here.
Keep the movement slow and intensional.
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