thoracic mobility

Move Better Series Part #7

Part #7 of the Move Better Series begins with foam rolling on the hamstrings, a muscle that is commonly very tight from being in a seated position for extended periods of time.  We will then go to a few exercises that focus on thoracic and hip mobility/flexibility, along with a full range of motion push-up.
As always:
  • Relax — take your time and move through these exercises slowly.
  • Focus on breathing and proper form.
  • Reps & sets in video are only recommendations, proceed at your own fitness level.

The Drill:

Foam Roll: Hamstrings:

  • Sit on foam roller across hamstrings.
  • Place hands on the ground behind hips and prop yourself up.
  • Roll up and down hamstrings, being sure to take deep breathes and hold in tender spots.

Supine Cross Body Stretch:   

  • Lay flat on ground with belly up, legs and arms relaxed straight.
  • Bend right knee towards chest till hips are at a 90 degree angle.
  • Take left hand and pull right knee across body towards the ground on left side, keeping both shoulders in contact with the ground.
  • Extend right arm out to side, shoulder bent at a 90 degree angle.  Hold for recommended period of time and switch sides.

Push ups, Hand Release:   

  • Lay flat on the ground, hands placed by the armpit with upper arms 30-45 degrees from torso.
  • Inhale and press your body off the ground, being sure to maintain alignment with head, shoulders, hips and knees.
  • Slowly lower body back to the ground and exhale.
  • Once on the ground, lift hands by squeezing scapula together for a 3 seconds hold and inhale.
  • Place hands back on ground to complete 1 full repetition.

Frog Stretch w/Thread the needle:

  • Kneel on ground with knees wider than shoulder width apart.
  • Place hands on ground about 12 inches in front of knees.
  • While maintaining a neutral spin (normal spinal curve) sit hips back towards feet until you feel a stretching in the inner thigh (adductor complex).
  • Take the left arm and “thread” it between the right arm and right knee, dropping left shoulder to the ground.  Hold for recommended period of time and switch side to complete 1 full repetition.

Move Better Series #1

The “Move Better Warm-up Series #1” combines four different exercises that will help T-spine mobility, core stability, Glute activation and hip mobility; and can be used as a general warm-up before any workout or activity.
  • Relax — take your time and move through these exercises slowly.
  • Focus on breathing and proper form.
  • Reps & sets in video are only recommendations, proceed at your own fitness level.

The Drill:

 Foam Roll: Thoracic Spine w/arms overhead:
  • Lay on back with foam roller places across shoulders.
  • Extend arms straight overhead in a Y pattern.
  • While keeping hips on ground, roll upper back on roller, flexing and extending at each vertebrae.
  • Be sure to exhale while extending (dropping shoulders to ground) and inhale while flexing (shoulders towards ceiling).
 Dead bug:
  • Lay flat on back with arms extended towards the ceiling, hips and knees both flexed at 90 degree angle.
  • Slowly lower right arm towards the ground overhead while extending left leg towards the ground and exhale.
  • Inhale and return both arm and leg to starting position.
  • Repeat with opposite side to complete one full repetitions.
  • Be sure to keep abdominal muscles contracted to prevent lower back from arching and ribs flaring towards  ceiling.
Glute Bridge:
  • Lay flat on back with arms along sides.
  • Flex knees and hips, placing heels close to glutes and pull toes towards shins.
  • Raise hips by driving the heels into the ground and contracting glutes until knees, hips and shoulders are aligned.
  • Slowly lower hips back to starting position to complete one full repetitions.
  • Maintain Abdominal contractions during movement so prevent lower back from arching and rips flaring towards ceiling.
Seated Adductor Stretch
  • Kneel on ground with knees wider than shoulder width apart.
  • Place hands on ground about 12 inches in front of knees.
  • While maintaining a neutral spin (normal spinal curve) sit hips back towards feet until you feel a stretching in the inner thigh (adductor complex).
  • Hold position for 5-10 seconds, then return to starting position.  Repeat for desired number of repetitions or  time.
  • With each repetition, try to sit hips back further or move knees further apart.