May Week 3 Exercise and Stretch

May Week 3 Exercise and Stretch

Good Mornings: This is not an exercise to be performed carefully and slowly. Be cautious with the weight used, if you are using a barbell, Use less weight rather than more. The stiff-legged barbell good morning is a very safe exercise but only if performed properly.

• This exercise can be performed with a barbell, or just your own body weight. 
• Keep your head up at all times as looking down will get you off balance and also maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position.

• Keeping your legs stationary, move your torso forward by bending at the hips while inhaling. Lower your torso until it is parallel with the floor.

• Raise as you exhale by elevating your torso back to the starting position.

• Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Floor Hamstring Stretch: Stretch to the point of "mild discomfort," not to the point of pain. Try to keep leg as straight as possible, only pulling closer to you if your flexibility allows. To reduce the intensity of this stretch, bend the knee of the stretching leg. 

• Sit on a mat with your right leg extended in front of you and your left leg bent with your foot against your right inner thigh.

• Lean forward from your hips and reach for your ankle until you feel a stretch in your hamstring. Hold for 15 seconds, then repeat for your other side.