1. Upper Calf : (Gastrocnemius)
Take a step forwards and bend the front knee. Keep the back knee straight
and push the heel into the ground, making sure that both feet are pointing
forwards. The stretch should be felt in the upper middle part of the
calf muscle. Repeat for the other leg.
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2. Lower Calf : (Soleus)
Take a step forwards and bend the front and back knee, whilst keeping
the heel flat on the ground and both feet pointing forwards. The stretch
should be felt towards the lower part of the calf. Repeat for the other
leg. |
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3. Back of Thigh : (Hamstrings)
Take a step forward and bend the back knee. Put both hands on the thigh
of the bent back leg to support the lower back and lean forwards until
the stretch is felt on the back of the thigh on the straight leg. Repeat
for the other leg. |
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4. Back of Thigh : (Hamstrings)
Lie on the ground and bend one knee so that the foot is close to the
backside. Lift the other leg, keeping it slightly bent, and hold the
calf with both hands. Gently pull the thigh towards the chest to feel
a stretch at the back of the thigh. The stretch should be felt in the
centre of the muscle. If it is felt towards one end or the other of
the muscle, bend the leg slightly. Repeat for the other leg. |
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5. Front of Thigh : (Quads)
Stand on one foot, or use a partner for support. Hold the opposite
ankle and bring the heel towards the backside but keep it pulled slightly
away. Keep both knees close together to prevent twisting of the knee,
and tilt the pelvis forwards. Stretch should be felt in the middle of
the thigh and towards the hips. Repeat for the other leg. |
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6. Hips : (Hip flexors)
Take a long step forwards, bending the front knee and slowly bending
the back knee so that it rests on the ground. Keep the trunk upright,
and both feet pointing forwards and then tilt the hip forwards slightly.
The stretch should be felt across the hip joint. Repeat for the other
leg. |
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7. Backside : (Gluteals)
Sit on the ground with one leg straight out and the other leg bent
with the foot on the other side of the straight leg. Hold the outside
of the bent knee and pull gently towards and across the chest. Stretch
should be felt towards the outside of the buttocks. Repeat for the other
leg. |
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8. Lower Back
Lie on the ground with arms spread wide to each side of the body. Bend
both legs at at hips and knees and move them slowly to one side. Relax
into this position and feel the stretch in the lower back area. Repeat
to the other side. |
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9. Inside of Thigh : (Adductors)
Stand straight with hands on hips. Step out to one side, pointing the
foot out to the side slightly, and bend the knee so that it is above
the toes, but not twisted. Keep the other leg straight. Feel the stretch
on the inside of the straight leg. Keep trunk upright and ensure the
foot of the straight leg is not turned inwards. Repeat for the other
leg. |
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10. Shoulders : (Deltoids)
Link hands and reach both arms above the head. Pull the arms slightly
backwards, being careful not to arch the back. Feel the stretch in the
front area of the shoulders. |
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11. Chest : (Pectorals)
Link the hands and place behind the back. Bend the knees slightly and
maintain an upright posture. Slowly pull arms backwards. Feel the stretch
across the chest. |
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12. Neck
Keep neck in line with the body. Slowly tilt head to one side moving
one ear towards the same shoulder. Hold this position and feel the stretch
on the opposite side of the neck. Repeat to the other side. Ensure that
the stretch is always in this plane of movement. |
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