“For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.” – Lily Tomlin
Summer is a great time to relax but it can be so packed with events that going slowly may not always be an option. If you’re on the move and trying to balance summer fun with paying the bills, family reunions with kids’ camps, and so much else, try working in those exercises you can do while just being you.
If you find yourself sitting on the floor one day, here’s a great exercise you’ll see in Pilates lore: The Saw (no it’s not torturous!). You’ll get strong, stretched, relaxed and enlightened all at once.
This move gently stretches the hamstrings (back of the thighs) which are tight in most people thanks to all the sitting and driving we do. You’ve got to make an effort to keep those hams supple and ready for action. This is great because you can do it while watching a movie with the family, sitting around a campfire, or at a picnic (at your local Farmer’s Market maybe).
This version comes from Runner’s World magazine. By the way, they have a great free library of videos on a myriad of exercises and they are neatly simple. Here are the “Saw” instructions from their Pilates series which Olga highly recommends.
“Sit up with your back straight back and your legs open wide (about the width of your shoulders). Extend your arms out to the sides of your body at shoulder height. As you inhale, twist your torso to the right. As you exhale, reach your left hand to the outside of your right foot. Then as you inhale again, return to the center. Exhale, and repeat on the other side. Try to keep your legs straight. If you can’t, bring the legs closer together and work to widen them over time. Do this exercise four times on each side.”
The bonus is that this move also stretches the hips which help you lift the thigh when running.
So, even if you can’t slow down to completely relax, at least take advantage of multitasking!
Saw and be seen. Ha ha. Ooo, or Saw and be Serene! That’s better. Let us know how it goes.
See you on the PATH Ahead!