I was trying to get my BACK loose- You know what I did?

A few weeks ago I was thinking of getting Taxi & Livery License Plates for my car because I drive so much!

Last calculation was about 23,000 miles per year (and I travel part of the year!)..

Crazy right? "Chasing the Dream" they say... 

But from all of this driving.. I started to feel my hip flexors and back getting tighter and tighter with each ride... 

Then.. just a few weeks ago.. I had one of my Coaches stretch my lower body and WOW.. my hamstrings were as tight as guitar strings...

Now as somebody who stretched for a living with the Yankees.. and facing minimal back issues when with the team traveling across the country every week.. I started to think about the difference between DRIVING and FLYING.. 

When we flew.. we were able to lay down.. legs extended, hip flexors lengthened.. 

But driving is a whole other deal.. 

The typical driving posture is typically leaning to the right (most males), legs that are partially flexed... and once driving speed is reached... most have their knees above their hips.. with their heels behind their knees.. (which leads to hamstring shortening)... 

This was the issue.. Shortened Hamstrings, Tight Hip Flexors from hip flexors being engaged (due to hips being below the knees.. I like to sit in a little recline position).. 

So.. now.. starting the day and ending the day.. I need to add hamstring based stretching... along with hip flexor stretches to "open up" and free the compounding tension that was yielding back pain...

How many of you sit most of the day?

How many of you can touch your toes when in a hamstring stretch?

These basic flexibility fundamentals can really help release overall tension when combined with daily work and foam rolling.. 

For those of you that find yourself sitting more than you would like.. I advocate the following:

1. Stretch  (active and passive) and Foam Roll for 10 minutes before starting your day....

2. Mid-Day..  get in a 3-way hamstring stretch at your desk or outside  (video)

3. Stretch at the end of your day for 10 minutes to come off of your work day.. 

Not to worry.. 

Your AM/PM stretching can be done while watching TV... 

SO you can multi-task between relaxing and your FLEXtraining.. 

These are simple tips to help you achieve more HEALTH in your life.. 

Pick and choose.. but this stuff is game-changing when you lock into it..

And.. a benefit that I have not discussed is the private time with yourself..

Taking 20 minutes to stretch in your favorite room each day.. by yourself could also give you much needed "personal time" to gather your thoughts, prepare, and get ready to WIN THE DAY.

COACH D

#theycallmecoach #buildingchampions