Stretch away nagging back pain

Ouch my back!

Did you ever make that comment?

Since we all sit more than we used to, back pain seems to be inevitable. Or is it?

Only if you just sit there passively.

One source of back pain can be linked to tight hamstring muscles that restrict movement in the pelvis. A stiff pelvis can cause considerable discomfort in the lower back area.

As a rule, if you'll be sitting at the computer or driving for more than an hour make it a point to stop or stand and stretch.

Today we'll focus on the general lower back area.

The stretches I prefer when I take a time-out are Reach Throughs, Pelvic Circles, R to L Overhead, and 4 to the Floor.

When you wake up or when you're sitting at your desk focus on Reach Throughs. Sit on the edge of your chair or mattress and reach through your legs and try touching the floor. Hold for 30 seconds.

Sibok Martin stretching his lower back after sitting for a long time.

Then stand up, feet shoulder width apart with hands on your hips and start making circles clock- wise then counter-clockwise with your hips. Do 30 each side.

Next, keep your feet shoulder width apart and lift your left arm while touching your bicep to your ear, keep your right arm hanging on the side of your body. Reach to your right as far as you can while supporting yourself on your thigh with your right hand and reaching over with your left.

Alternate from side to side. For a total of 30.

Your last time out exercise is a 4 to the floor variation. Keep your feet as they were (shoulder width apart), with your hands on your hips, lean back as far as you can and hold for a count. (10, 15, 30 seconds), make sure you keep your hands on your hips for support. Then bow forward and reach for the floor.

Hold the up and down position each 3 times. Now it's time to get back to work!

This is a fraction of what you learn in our new flexibility course. Martial artists have been known to be some of the most flexible people on earth because we follow a proven system that's been tested for thousands of years and passed down from generation to generation.

Say goodbye to stiffness and remember, pain is the bodies way of telling you, you need to move and do something.

Flexibility awaits right here.

Master Yourself,

Sibok Martin