Last week we discussed remedies to dull pain caused by a hip injury. In today’s article, I want to talk about a yoga-inspired stretching technique that targets the hips and lower back. And before we continue, I want to let you know that I am not a medical professional, and what follows is not medical advice. I hope the following information helps you further your research on this topic.
Image by Racool_studio on Freepik
The other day while browsing the web, I came across an article from the Stylist titled “The Scorpion Stretch Will Loosen Your Tight Hips and Lower Back”. Intrigued, I read the article and thought it might be nice to share it with you.
This yoga-inspired stretching technique, called the Scorpion Stretch, helps to increase flexibility in the hip flexors, quadriceps, and lower back. Tight hips can be caused by prolonged sitting, lack of mobility exercises, or overuse in certain activities like running or cycling. By adding the Scorpion Stretch into your daily routine, you can help lessen tightness in the hips, improve your range of motion, reduce the risk of injury, and lessen the pain in the muscles and joints in the hip area.
Here’s how to do perform the Scorpion Stretch:
- Start by lying face down on a yoga mat or soft surface.
- Extend your arms out to the sides to form a T shape, with your palms facing down.
- Lift your right leg off the ground, bending your knee, and bring it across your body towards your left side. Try to touch the ground with your right foot.
- As you bring your right leg across, simultaneously rotate your torso to the right, allowing your right hip to lift off the ground.
- Keep your shoulders pressed into the ground for stability and hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds.
- Slowly return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
And for those who are visual learners, here is a video you can follow to perform the Scorpion Stretch:
To Your Success & Freedom,
Glenn Shimabukuro
