This workout routine focuses on stretching, lengthening and elongating the largest muscle group in the body, the quadriceps! We will be working our way from standing all the way down to the mat to stretch out every muscle from every possible angle!
Activities such as running, lifting heavy weights or jumping places excessive stress on the quadriceps. This ultimately leads to overuse of the quads and hip flexors during daily activities and also during exercise. If you've ever noticed the quads or hip flexors burning or tensing during certain exercises (for example, table top position) it means that they are too dominant and are taking all of the load that the hamstrings, core and glutes should be sharing too!
When quadricep muscles are overworked, they become tight and cause imbalance in the joints, particularly the knee. When tight quadriceps are accompanied by weak hamstrings, you have all the ingredients for an injury!
Too much sitting is another contributor to tight quads. When you sit at a desk for hours on end, your hip flexors shorten. Because all of the muscles connect to form a kinetic chain, tight hip flexors will also shorten the quads and cause them to be inflexible.
This workout routine is invaluable whether you are extremely active or have an office job to keep those legs long, lean, flexible and injury free!
Up Next in Bonus Schedule
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Adore Your Core: Stretch
This workout is a complete body stretch, particularly focusing on spinal mobility and stretching out the abdominal muscles!
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Bend And Flex With The Band
We will be using the resistance band to stretch and lengthen throughout entire body! We will be opening and releasing the chest, hamstrings, hips, lower back and any areas you may be stiff and tight!
All you need for this workout is your resistance band to enhance the stretches.
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Glow Back
For this workout, we will be lying in a prone position the entire time to strengthen, tone and define the back extensors. This will improve posture, ease back pain and balance your core strength. Grab some cushioning (e.g. a folded towel) if you have sensitive hips and let's get started!