Whether you’re a professional athlete or just someone who enjoys a good workout, it’s important to understand the risks associated with not stretching. A hernia is one of those risks, and the good news is that stretching exercises can be an effective way to reduce the chance of developing one. In this beginner guide, we’ll provide you with some tips and tricks you need in order to eliminate your risk of developing a hernia. Get ready to explore the world of stretching and how it can benefit your body!
Why Do Hernias Happen?
First, it’s important to understand what a hernia is and why stretching can help reduce the risk of developing one. A hernia occurs when part of an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in your muscles or ligaments. This can cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms that can be debilitating if not treated properly. Stretching helps to strengthen your abdominal and pelvic muscles, making them less likely to become weakened and form a hernia.
Types of Stretching Exercises to Prevent a Hernia
It’s also important to know which types of stretching exercises are best for preventing hernia risks. Different types of stretching are beneficial in different ways, so it’s important to do a variety of exercises that target all the muscles in your abdominal and pelvic region. Some examples of good stretching exercises include seated hip flexor stretches, bridge poses, side-lying leg lifts, and cobra poses. All of these movements promote muscle strengthening and flexibility, making it less likely for you to develop a hernia. Some exercises for core strength include:
Flutter Kicks
Lie down on your back on the exercise mat. Keep your hands by your side, palms straight flat towards the mat, back flat against the mat, and look up at the ceiling. Involve your core, lift both your legs off the ground and kick them up and down alternately. Do not let your feet touch the ground before you complete it. This is how you move by lying on your back and using your core to flutter your legs up and down. This strengthens your legs and abdominal muscles.
Seated Knee Tuck
Sit down with your knees flexed and feet flat on the mat. Place your hands behind and keep your palms flat. Get started with your cores, bend your elbows, lean back a bit, and lift your legs in the same flexed knee pose. Bring your knees close to your chest, and your upper body close to your knees. Lean back and push your legs away. Straighten your legs as you do it. Flex your knees and bring them close to your chest, and your upper body close to the knees.
Crunches
Sit down with your knees flexed and feet flat. Keep your feet together. Rollback until the back of your shoulders touches the mat. Do not rest your head on the mat. Employ your body strength (lower and upper) and place your fingertips behind the head to support it. Keep your elbows out, arms wide open, and chest out. Keep the chin up. This is the starting position. Exhale and lift your head (do not push it) so now only the upper back is off the ground. Look at the top of your knees. Inhale and slowly go back to the starting position.
Bicycle Crunch
Lie on the floor, place your hands behind your head, and open your arms. Raise your head and your feet off the floor, flex your knees, and bring them close to your belly. Push the right leg back and extend it. Simultaneously, crunch up and try to touch your left knee with your right elbow. Fold your right knee. When you do it, push your left leg back and extend it fully. Do reverse now, try to touch your right knee with your left elbow.
Plank
Get on all knees and hands like a kneeling position. Flex your elbows and place your forearm on the exercise mat. Extend your legs behind and feel the abdomen. Make sure your neck and spine are in a straight line. Do not bend or pike up. Keep your elbows right below your shoulders. Look down at the floor. Avoid any strain on your head and neck. Keep breathing. Hold this pose for 30-60 seconds. This will strengthen your spine and abdominal muscles.
Don’t Overdo It!
Additionally, there are a few things you can keep in mind when doing any type of stretching exercise: make sure not to overdo it! Stretching is meant to be relaxing and beneficial – not painful or uncomfortable. Start off with more gentle stretches and gradually work your way up to more advanced poses as you become more comfortable.
Breathe With Stretching Exercises
Additionally, it’s important to keep breathing throughout the entire stretching process in order to properly oxygenate your muscles. When we hold our breath or take short, shallow breaths, we limit the benefits we can gain from stretching. So the next time you hit the mat, try to prioritize your breathing just as much as your stretch poses. Take deep inhales, expanding your diaphragm, and exhale slowly. You’ll notice a difference in the effectiveness of your stretches and overall sense of calmness. Don’t forget, your breath is a powerful tool that can enhance your stretching experience.
Safety
Finally, if you do experience any kind of pain or discomfort during your stretching routine, stop immediately and consult a doctor or physical therapist. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to matters of health, especially when dealing with something as serious as a hernia.
With these tips in mind, you can now confidently reduce your risk of developing a hernia thanks to this beginners guide on stretching! Now get out there and start relaxing into some great stretches – your body will thank you! For more health & hernia related articles, visit www.TexasHerniaSpecialists.com.