Stretches Everyone Should Do

If you want to be healthy you should stretch. If you want to be an endurance athlete you must stretch. Here are some easy stretches that everyone should do.


Photo: Pec stretch--keeps you from getting the "stooped shoulders" look.



Photo: Cobra stretch, gentle version. Do this if you have a bad back.



Photo: Cobra stretch full intensity. Notice the whole body from the head to the toes is engaged in the stretch. Especially focus on your neck and shoulder posture in this stretch.



Photo: Allah stretch. Follow the cobra with this stretch. Focus on the hips, thighs, shoulders, back, and arms. Really, a full body stretch.



Photo: Hamstring stretch. I like to flip a strap over the foot for this one.



Photo: Pretzel twist stretch. It's money.



Photo: Foam roller self-massage. Not a stretch per se, but this will really get the IT band to cooperate with whatever you are trying to get it to do.

Stephen Taylor, Nashville Triathlon Coach