With the majority of Melbournians walking more to be able to see family and friends in their 5km zone, here are some simple ways to help alleviate any tightness from the increased mileage.
Hip flexor stretch
Feeling tight in the front of your hips and legs?
- Kneel on you right knee
- Place your left foot on the floor in front with your knee bent
- Lean forward, stretching your right knee
- Get the most out of the stretch by reaching with your right arm up over to the left
- Aim for 30-60 seconds
- Swap sides and repeat
Hamstring stretch
Trouble touching your toes or tightness in the back of your legs?
- Standing on left leg
- Place your right leg on a step
- Reach forward with your right hand, stretching the back of your right leg
- To achieve a stretch through the different portions of your hamstring, reach in different directions. Towards 3 o’clock with stretch the outer portion and towards 9 o’clock will stretch the inner portion.
- Aim for 30-60 seconds
- Swap sides and repeat
Calf Stretch
Feeling tight at the back of your lower leg?
- Stand an arm’s length from the wall
- Both hands on the wall, place your right leg in front
- Press your left heel down with your left knee straight, keep your right knee bent
- Not getting a stretch? Trying shifting your hips to the right or left
- Aim for 30-60 seconds
- Swap sides and repeat