Morning low back tightness

[empaloalto]

Hi Cathe!

I have a quick question for you about low back tightness. I sit at a computer all day, and probably don't have the best posture (while sitting) - so I'm sure this contributes to what I'm feeling, however my back is most tight in the morning.

On your most recently published DVD's, I've noticed you have several fast warm-ups that involve twisting our core back and forth. In the morning I'm a bit too tight to do this comfortably.

Can you suggest some other slower moves to get the juices flowing in my low back, prior to those faster moves?

Thanks!
I cannot wait until August 10th!

Erin

 

[ldy_solana]

hi erin not cathe(obviously) but sometimes i might do a few sun salutations from yoga no more then 5-10 mins to get me going. if you can, check out 10 min. solution yoga. yoga basics is all sun salutations. i find these warm me up slowly at my own pace while giving a safe stretch. just my opinion for what works for me.

kassia

http://www.picturetrail.com/ldy_solana

"And do what thee wilt as long as ye harm none"

http://images.meez.com/user03/06/01/04/060104_10010099873.gif

 

[empaloalto]

Thanks Kassia! I will try that.

 

[tneah]

I hang my lower body over the bed and stretch my legs to my chest, one at a time. I have a bad hip, it puts my lower back out of whack too, so when I wake up its like I am 90 years old and never exercised!

Then I apply some heat to whatever hurts worse, drink my coffee and pop in my workout. Its amazing, once the blood gets flowing, everything starts feeling better!

 

[t_jania]

My physical therapist recommended pressups for me. It's basically Cobra from yoga. It does help.

 

[empaloalto]

Great ideas! Thanks! I want to try some right now, but I'm sitting at my desk again

 

[kathryn]

A lot of barre-type workouts warm-up using knee-to-chest moves, basically 'marching' in place, bringing the knees up high. Start low, at a steady pace, then as things loosen up and you feel more comfortable, bring the knees up higher. Be sure to keep the core engaged when doing this.

Tneah's 'knee-to-chest' stretch idea is great, not only first thing in the morning, but before going to sleep. And you can finish it off with both knees to the chest, rolling on the lower back a bit.

 

[empaloalto]

great, thanks! btw what's a "barre-type" workout?

 

[chefkate]

Erin, I didn't take the time to read what others responded to you, but I used to work for a chiro and this is what they recommended:

Before you get out of bed draw your knees up to your chest (while laying on your back) and pull them in close. Hold that for a little bit, rest, and do it again. Do it as many times as you like but I find that 2-3 does the trick for me.

 

[empaloalto]

perfect thanks! I'm going to try this in the morning!

 

[kathryn]

>great, thanks! btw what's a "barre-type" workout?

Workouts that use a ballet barre, like Fluidity, Squeeze (they use a chair, but could use a barre), Lotte Berke, etc.

 

[empaloalto]

ooh! I've never heard of those! interesting!

 

[chefkate]

Hope it works for you!