BRINK Fitness

BRINK Fitness
"Taking fitness to the very edge."

Sunday, December 12, 2010

My New Favorite Stretch

          I have found a great new online resource at acefitness.com for unique warm up, full body workout and cool down exercises. My favorite stretch of the week is the Hip Hinge. The only necessary peice of equipment is an approximately three to four foot long dowel rod or barbell rod, about an inch in diameter. For lighter weight, dowel rods can be found at any hardware store, and they are more than happy to cut them to a desired length, or, simply remove the end of a mop or broom and the handle will work just as well.
          This stretch not only extends the hamstrings and glutes, but also helps to encourage bending at the hips, rather than the back. This form is essential for many activities, both in or outside of the gym, one, for example, is the deadlift, where proper execution is necessary, especially with heavier weight, to avoid strain or injury. I like to perform two sets of twenty, switching hands between sets. Make sure to breath out as you are bending over, lock your knees at the very bottom to increase pull on your hamstrings and keep your hands and the dowel rod tightly against your back.

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