5 Stretches Every Woman Should Be Doing
Working on flexibility is the most important thing you're not doing. These exercises are a great way to get started.
By Alice Oglethorpe
Get loose with these stretches recommended by David Reavy, founder of React Physical Therapy in Chicago. Do them three times a week, in order, before you exercise or on their own. "These moves work on the most common trouble areas for women," says Reavy. "You'll feel more balanced in the upper and lower body, create strength in the abs and get all your muscles working better." You'll need a foam roller and some lacrosse balls (don't sub in tennis balls; they aren't hard enough).
Hip Flexor Release
Tape two lacrosse balls together, lie on stomach and place balls just below right hip bone. Lean weight on balls, bend right knee at a 90-degree angle and swing right leg side to side. Do for 30 seconds. Repeat on other side.
Hip Flexor Release
Tape two lacrosse balls together, lie on stomach and place balls just below right hip bone. Lean weight on balls, bend right knee at a 90-degree angle and swing right leg side to side. Do for 30 seconds. Repeat on other side.
From the November 2015 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine