Let’s face it, a lot of us watch more television than we should (notice how I said “us”- I’m included in this!). Sure, we could sit on the couch, eat ice cream, binge-watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and proceed to zone out. But I am the only one that stands up from the couch and immediately notices how tight my hips and back are? I’m completely on board with streaming some Netflix to help wind down from a stressful day. It helps me decompress! But what helps me unwind even more is when I stretch while I watch.
Here’s my favorite stretches to do while I’m watching Netflix:
Cobbler’s Pose:
- While seated, place the soles of your feet together while pointing your knees in opposite directions. You can play around with how far away your feet are from your sit bones to vary this stretch to see what feels best for you.
- With each exhale, attempt to move your knees closer to the floor.
- You can also lean forward over your feet, while keeping your back straight. Again, with each exhale attempt to get closer to the floor.
Head-To-Knee Pose:
- Sit down with both legs extended in front of you.
- Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the inner aspect of your left thigh. Your right knee should be pointed out of the side.
- While keeping your back straight, lean forward over your left leg (which it still extended). You should feel a deep stretch in the back of your body. Keep breathing, and with each exhale try to bend a little deeper.
- Switch sides and repeat!
Upward Dog Pose:
- Lay flat on your stomach and place your palms flat on the ground near your shoulders.
- Inhale. Slowly begin to lift your upper body off the ground. Keep your legs engaged (tip – keep your heels together).
- Exhale. Slowly lower your upper body back towards the ground.
Lunge with Quad Stretch:
- While in a lunge position, slowly begin to rock forward to feel a gentle stretch in the hip flexors of your back leg.
- As tolerated, bend your back knee and lift your back leg. Hold your elevated foot with your hand of the same-side.
- With each exhale, attempt to deepen the stretch.
- When ready to come out of the pose, slowly lower your back foot towards the ground to return to lunge position.
- Switch sides and repeat!
I also love using massage tools to help reduce muscle tension while watching television. Check out a previous post that includes my favorite ways to use massage tools here.
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