KUSA - How do most adults spend the majority of their day? Hunched over a keyboard with less-than-perfect posture. Fight "the curve" with the following exercises that will also help when hitting the running or walking trails this winter.
Coaches Garry Roseman and Toni Taddonio from FastForward Sports joined Susie Wargin for the latest Wargin's Workout and talked about importance of running tall, with a forward chest and bending at the ankles. To help accomplish this, try the following exercises:
1. Stretching the chest and neck: with your feet flat on the ground and knees bent, lay back on a stability ball and relax your neck onto the ball. Spread your arms wide open and relax for 2-3 minutes. Your arms may release more as you lay on the ball.
2. Stability ball "Ws": Turn over on the stability ball so your stomach is on it. Keep your knees off the ground and made contact with the ground via your toes. Bend your elbows and lift your chest off the ball. Imagine a "W" drawn on your back with the shape of your arms. Hold for 3 seconds and do 20 repetitions.
As the temperature cools down, it's even more important to "actively" warm up your body before running or walking. A great exercise to include opens up your hip flexors. Kneel on the ground with your right knee bent at a 90 degree angle and hips facing forward. Using your hands, grasp the foot of your left leg and raise it towards your back. Hold for 30 seconds, rest, and repeat. After the two reps, switch legs.
For more information about FastForward sports and their running and triathlon groups in the Denver and Boulder areas, visit their website.
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