(See Sample Exercise Schedule at right.) The program’s step-by-step instructions and pictures make following a regular schedule fun and easier to incorporate into daily routines. Before stretching, warm up with five to 10 minutes of light activity. Stretching and mobility is a component of fitness that is regularly overlooked, but can play a critical role in recovery and overall performance. Keep your other knee touching the floor. an exercise routine under the supervision of a health professional regardless of their level of ability. Instructions: 1. Pull the affected leg up toward the Breathe through your stretches. Stretching is great for your joints mobility, flexibility, fighting stress, and having a good night’s sleep. Stretching is one of the basic components of a sound exercise program. Stretching & Flexibility 2 Since most people can’t exercise in front of their computers, we created this tool so you can select strength exercises, print illustrations and instructions, and take them with you. Good flexibility is not only important for exercise, but also for daily activities such as bending down to put on socks or reaching overhead to grab a tool in your garage. Just click the box next to each exercise you want to print, and then click the Print Selected Exercises button at the bottom of the page. • Discontinue if pain occurs. Kneel on the floor with one knee bent and one leg behind you. Low Back Pain: Exercises (page 5) Feel the stretch in your bottom. • Go easy at first. Hold this stretch for 15-20 seconds and repeat 3-5 times. In addition to the four categories of exercise defined below, everyone also needs relaxation. Related: What Happens To Your Body When You Swim Here are 34 stretches in pictures with […] Hip flexor stretch 1. Place your forward knee over your foot. 2. Hold for … Cervical Spine Stretches . • Stretch gently. “stretching” is used, though most of these exercises are, technically, range of motion activities. Shown are exercises that can be done sitting or on your bed. As a nurse involved in MS care for over 20 years, I would highly • Exercise regularly. 2. Keep stretches gentle and slow. Start with a few exercises and gradually increase. Perform highlighted stretches initially 1-2 x/day, or _____ . Purpose: Stretching exercises help to restore joint range of motion by lengthening shortened muscles and connective tissue, which helps to reduce pain and tightness. Stretching Exercises for Piriformis Several of the stretching exercises commonly prescribed to treat sciatica symptoms from piriformis muscle problems include: Supine piriformis stretches: Lie on the back with the legs flat. Avoid jerky movements. Exercise can be broken down into five categories, one of which is relaxation. Regular stretching should be incorporated into your daily exercise routine. Hold a stretch for about 30 seconds, to the point of a slight pull, on each side. Slowly push your hips forward until you feel a stretch in the upper thigh of your rear leg. Develop a pattern of exercising various parts of your body at regular intervals throughout your workday — before discomfort occurs. Gluteal Stretch – Lying on your back, bend your hip and knee and use your hands to pull your knee up towards your chest. Better yet, stretch after a workout. Don't bounce. www.move.va.gov Physical Activity Handouts • P37 Version 5.0 Page 1 of 3 P37 Strengthening Your Core Your body’s core is the area around your trunk and … If you feel pain, you've stretched too far. upper thigh and feel the stretch at the back of your thigh. Four categories of exercise defined below, everyone also needs relaxation stretch for about 30 seconds, to point! 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