Happy Friday!
I didn’t want to call these “problem area” yoga videos, because: 1. These areas may not be a problem, they may be a strength that you want to improve. Maybe you wanted stretchier hamstrings because you want to do a front split! and 2. because that reminds me of “spot” exercising, like doing a bunch of sit-ups because you want defined abs. Not the way to go to increase overall health and fitness.
Some of these videos are great overall yoga sessions with a focus on a body area. And others are more like instructional videos so that you can incorporate helpful stretches into your regular routines.
Let’s start from the bottom and work our way up. (Yea, started from the bottom now we here… sorry) .
Focus Area Yoga Videos
Feet, Ankles, and Calves
First, Lesley Fightmaster has a great last name. Fightmaster Yoga… how awesome is that?
Besides that, this 30 minute session focuses on our foundation – feet, ankles, and calves. This is intense if you already have foot issues. I do a little at a time, so my foot muscles don’t collapse in agony the next morning. If you don’t have severe foot issues this is great to help strengthen and stretch, especially if you wear uncomfortable shoes for work or play.
Quads and Hip Flexors
20 minute hatha and restorative yoga poses to release the tension in tight hip flexors and quads. There isn’t a lot of “flow” for this style, so be ready to be quiet and peaceful.
IT Bands
The iliotibial (IT) is a thick band of fibers that runs along the outer part of your thigh from your pelvis to your shinbone. It can tighten up and be a drag to runners.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ_7iCK6zRs
This video plays more like an instructional video for IT band stretches, rather than a yoga session. You may find some stretches you would like to incorporate into your daily routine.
Hamstrings
This yoga session is a full session with a focus on hamstring flexibility. Near 30 minutes long, it is great to increase flexibility while Adriene keeps yoga accessible to everyone.
Hips & Low Back
This 30 minutes works the hips, hamstrings, and low back. David Procyshyn uses a yoga strap and block, but you can use a towel or belt and a folded blanket to accomplish the same things.
Happy Friday and happy miles!
Thanks for posting! The first video from Lesley Fightmaster looks like something I definitely need to be doing as I’ve had stiff ankles and calves for a couple weeks now. And I’m glad it’s from Lesley – I do her yoga for runners video and really like it!
Ooh! I’ll have to check that video out. Thank you.