Lower back pain is a modern day epidemic. There is a misconception that back pain and injury originate from the back itself, when in fact a lot of it comes from tight surrounding areas due to the sedentary nature of modern living.
If you know the correct muscles to stretch and how to stretch them effectively you can save yourself from pain and more serious life impacting injuries. Checkout the stretches below to see how you can use bands to live a healthier and happier life!
Hamstring Stretch
Our hamstrings are always getting tighter and this will tend to pull on your lower back. Lie on your back and put the band around your toes. Keeping a fully straight leg slowly pull the leg up until the stretch is at its max for you. Hold for 30seconds then do the other leg.
ITB Stretch
The ITB also known as the Itolic band is the muscle that most commonly causes back pain. It is best to roll this muscle out but before try this stretch. Keeping the last position pull the leg up over the body. This should target down the side of your upper leg and release tension into you lower back and disks.
Hip Flexor Stretch
Sitting down all day in the car or at the desk does no good for our hips. To balance them out we must stretch them out. Wrap the band through one hip and hike it up as high as you can. Attach this band to a set point and set that leg down and back with the other leg kneeling in front. Then shuffle back until the band is pulling your hips forwards and down stretching through your hip flexors and quadriceps.
Why use bands?
Stretching is hard and uncomfortable but it must be done in a relaxed manner and you cannot fight it. Bands do the work for you by pulling you into the stretch. If you can then relax and let the muscle be stretched the results will be deeper and longer lasting.
