5 Overlooked Muscles to Stretch – A Big Mistake You Should Avoid!

5 Muscles You’re TOTALLY Forgetting to Stretch (BIG MISTAKE!)

Introduction

While stretching is an essential part of any fitness routine, there are often a few muscles that we tend to overlook. Neglecting these muscles can lead to imbalances, tightness, and even injuries. In this article, we will explore five muscles that you might be forgetting to stretch and provide you with the best ways to stretch them effectively.

The Peroneals

The peroneals are the muscles that run up and down the outside of your leg. They are often tight, especially if you have flat feet. To stretch the peroneals, try the sit-to-stand frog stretch. Sit in a chair with the soles of your feet together. Slowly stand up while keeping your soles in contact with each other and bring your knees together. Hold this position for 45-60 seconds and repeat throughout the day.

The Subscapularis

The subscapularis is a muscle in the rotator cuff that often gets neglected because it sits “out of sight.” However, it’s crucial to stretch this muscle to maintain shoulder health. Use a broomstick or dowel to stretch the subscapularis. Hold the stick behind your bicep, reach across your body, and grab the lower end with your other hand. Open your chest and pull the broomstick to get a deeper stretch. Hold this stretch for 45-60 seconds on both sides.

The Rectus Abdominis

The rectus abdominis, also known as the abs, is often tight and can affect our posture. To stretch this muscle, use a physioball. Lay on your back over the ball and allow yourself to contour to its shape. Drop your pelvis down and reach your arms back overhead. This elongates and stretches the abs. Hold this stretch for 45-60 seconds, 2-3 times per day.

The Quadratus Lumborum

The quadratus lumborum (QL) is a muscle in the lower back that often gets overlooked because we can’t see or touch it easily. However, it’s important to stretch this muscle for lower back health. Try the QL slide stretch. Start on all fours, slide one leg down, drop your hip, and lean slightly forward while pushing off the hand on the ground. This stretch targets the QL effectively. Hold for 45-60 seconds per set.

The Lats

Last but not least, don’t forget to stretch the lats. To target this muscle, try the lat stretch movement. For a detailed explanation of this stretch, you can check out the provided link. Stretching the lats can improve overall posture and prevent shoulder and upper back issues.

Conclusion

Stretching is essential for maintaining flexibility, preventing injuries, and improving overall fitness. However, it’s easy to forget certain muscles when it comes to stretching. By incorporating stretches for the peroneals, subscapularis, rectus abdominis, quadratus lumborum, and lats into your routine, you can address commonly neglected areas and achieve better balance and flexibility. Remember to stretch each muscle group for 45-60 seconds, multiple times a day, to experience the full benefits. Don’t make the big mistake of forgetting to stretch these muscles – your body will thank you for it!

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