The Most Boring/Effective Exercise
There is an exercise that I give to at least 50% of my clients but I can guarantee at least 95% need it. The problem is the exercise is so easy that you think you are doing nothing that will make a big difference. The muscle in question is the Psoas and it’s the primary connector between your torso and your legs. Here are some of the issues this muscle can present if it is too tight/loose or too weak.
Leg length discrepancy.
Knee and low back pain.
Postural problems.
Difficulty moving your bowels.
Menstrual Cramps.
Chest breathing.
Feeling exhausted.
All these issues can be resolved with either simple stretching or and the most boring strengthening exercise in which is however the most effective exercise by far for fixing these issues.
The Exercise
Exercising the Psoas starts with sitting on a kitchen chair or something close to that which is often the perfect height to have you legs and hips all at 90-degree angles. Raise your knee up so your foot comes off the floor about 1 or 2 inches and hold for 10 seconds. Place it back down for 2 seconds then repeat another 9 times. Do this daily. Simple
If your Psoas is weak you will feel fatigue or even pain anywhere in the upper thigh or lower back area. You should be able to maintain holding the leg up for 100 seconds symptom free. If you don't then your Psoas is weak and you need to do this exercise.
It’s also a good idea to keep this muscle nice and supple, a good stretch is the one pictured below although you don’t have to bring the foot up at the back. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and repeat as often as possible.
If you are experiencing any of the above listed issues, then why not give these techniques a go and see if they resolve.
See you the couch
Ash x