My Top Stretches for Athletes

As athletes we are continuously pushing our bodies to the limit. We train hard for weeks at a time, take a few weeks off then start it all over again. Our bodies can take a beating, but there is much you can do to keep it healthy so it works at it's best. STRETCHING is one of these things. Flexibility is one of the key components of physical fitness as well!

I am a HUGE FAN of the PiYo workout for athletes because it is great for upper and lower body strength, it sculpts and strengthens the core, and it increases FLEXIBILITY. It is not yoga or Pilates, however. PiYo is an ATHLETIC workout that uses your own body weight to build strength and flexibility. (Click HERE to check out the PiYo Workout)

So I took many of the stretches from the PiYo workout and sort of condensed them for you here with photos of each. I highly recommend doing the PiYo Program, but if you are pressed for time, then spend 15-20 min each day doing the following stretches. Hold each for about 30 seconds then repeat.

Single Leg Down Dog Hamstring Fold

Side Lying Quad Stretch

Adductor Stretch

Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch

Supine Spinal Twist

Kneeling Hamstring Stretch

Low Lunge with IT Band Stretch

Cobra Stretch

Reverse Low Lunge

Oblique Stretch

Supine Hamstring Stretch w Band

Butterfly Stretch

Pigeon Pose