icon-account icon-glass

Join the community!

We'll keep you up to date with interesting news, product information and offers so you never miss out.

No boring newsletters and we'll never share your address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Popular Searches

Popular Products

The Lean Protein
Whey protein powder for weight-loss.
The Energy Booster
Pre/intra-workout powder with BCAAs.
The Glow Booster
Collagen supplement for skin.

CATEGORIES

A Quick Guide For Tackling That Necessary 5 Min Daily Body Stretch

6th July 2021

Fitness Health

6th July 2021

By Shivraj Bassi

Look. We get it. Life is super busy. 

What with commuting, working, relationships, family, your social life and everything in between - we know that fitting in time to exercise can sometimes feel a little bit impossible.

We're here to tell you that not all exercise has to be an intense HIIT workout to be effective. Have you ever tried stretching?

Stretching prepares the body for activity and has been found to boost healing. But, not all stretching is created equal.

Your stretches must be related to your activity. This ensures that your muscles, tendons and ligaments are activated in a way that prepares your body for exercise. By focusing your stretch session you’ll be able to reduce your likelihood of getting injured and boost your flexibility.

In addition to pre/post workout stretches, you should also aim to incorporate a stretch session into your daily routine to mobilise joints, and boost productivity. A full body stretch is a great way to do that.

Looking for a full body stretch routine for beginners? It's time to reset your posture. Here’s a great 5 minute routine for a complete body stretch:

High Knee Hamstring Hug

For a quick stretch routine for the hamstrings, stand with feet shoulder width apart. Stand on your left leg and lift your right leg up. Hug your knee into your chest and hold the position for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other leg.

The high knee hamstring hug stretches your glutes and increases hip mobility.

Offset Leg Lunge

Next up in our total body stretch session is the offset leg lunge.

Stand straight, and take one large step forward with your right leg. Go into a deep lunge. Your right leg should be at a 90 degree angle and your back knee should almost touch the floor. Then, put your left hand on the floor near your right instep. Reach up to the sky with your right arm. Your arms should be in a straight line. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds. Do the same with the other leg and arm. Stretches your groin area and legs.

Whilst adding some serious impact to your full body stretching routine, the offset leg lunge also mobilises your thoracic spine, stretches out your chest area and activates your core. Nice.

Lying Glute Stretch

Now for the glutes. Many people search for advice around how to stretch glutes, from fear of injury.

So, lie on your back and bend both knees, keeping your feet on the floor. Bring your left ankle up and place it on your right thigh. Loop your hands around your right thigh. Pull your right leg it into your chest. Hold for 30 seconds then repeat with the other leg.

This step of your 5 minute full body stretch opens up your hips and stretches your glutes whilst preventing sudden twisting. The satisfaction from this one is real. 

Standing Shoulder Stretch

In the final step of your full body stretch, hold your right arm out straight then pull your right arm into your chest with your left forearm. Hold for 20 seconds then release. Now, raise your right arm over your head and bend your elbow so that your right hand is behind your left shoulder. Press gently on your right elbow with your left hand and hold for 20 seconds.

Repeat with your other arm. Some of the most common weight training injuries involve the shoulder joint. Stretching this joint can help increase range of motion and reduce the likelihood of injury.

Summary

How was your total body stretch session? Pretty good, right? Whether you're looking for tips on how to stretch glutes, how to stretch your back, or how to stretch legs, we hope that the above tips will get you well on your way to relaxation. 

The benefits of stretching are pretty impressive, with research indicating that stretching not only reduces your risk of injury, but has been seen to reduce anxiety and exhaustion, too. 

If you're looking for some further inspiration, check out the below articles, and make sure you're supplementing your exercise routine with The Health Protein for optimum results. 

References 

  • Montero-Marin, J., Asún, S., Estrada-Marcen, N., Romero, R., & Asun, R. (2013). Effectiveness of a stretching program on anxiety levels of workers in a logistic platform: a randomized controlled study. Atención primaria, 45(7), 376-383. Click here.
  • Pornratshanee Weerapong, Patria A. Hume & Gregory S. Kolt (2004) Stretching: Mechanisms and Benefits for Sport Performance and Injury Prevention, Physical Therapy Reviews, 9:4, 189-206. Click here.
< Older post Newer post >

Product Spotlight

The front of The Health Protein packaging.

The Health Protein
With 31g of protein and only 149 calories per serving. Created to support optimal function of your immune system and overall health.
Vegan Protein

Need Expert Advice?

Take the quiz

Take the quiz

If you're not sure where to start, take our 5 minute health consultation to get product recommendations tailored to your goals.
Read more

Other Insights

How to Beat Imposter Syndrome, According to Experts

How to Beat Imposter Syndrome, According to Experts

Do you ever feel like a fraud at work? Or worry that people won’t love the ‘real’ you? Even when you have evidence that suggests none of the above is true? Then, you could be experiencing imposter syndrome - and, you’re not the only one.  Research shows imposter syndrome is a universal struggle with one review finding that up to 82% of people could be experiencing imposter syndrome and suffer from anxiety, burnout and exhaustion because of it. While imposter syndrome can feel deflating and challenging, the good news is that there are steps you can take to overcome self-doubt and boost self-confidence, so you stop holding yourself back from reaching your full potential To help you leave imposter syndrome behind for good, we spoke to two experts to bring you everything you need to know including how to spot it and how to beat it.  What Is Imposter Syndrome? “Imposter syndrome is the overwhelming feeling of self-doubt or fear of being exposed as a ‘fraud’,” explains Holistic Health & Wellness Coach Christina Calderwood. When we experience imposter syndrome it’s because we believe on some level that our achievements are down to luck or other factors and not our own ability, and we feel unworthy of our success. “Those with imposter syndrome worry that others will eventually uncover the ‘truth’ and see their perceived lack of skill and capability, despite evidence of their success and achievements,” Christina adds.  Signs of Imposter Syndrome Imposter syndrome can show up in different ways and may show up differently depending on the scenario you are in.  For example, imposter syndrome at work can look like questioning if your contributions are valuable and choosing to stay silent out of fear. In friendships it can look like worrying what others think of you and in romantic relationships you might feel you're undeserving of your partner's love and affection. Imposter syndrome often shows up in self-limiting thoughts and beliefs, and the stories we tell ourselves. According to Christina, some of the most common thoughts people with imposter syndrome may have include:  I don't deserve this success, I just got lucky. I'm not as smart or talented as they think I am. I'm afraid they will find out I don't know what I'm doing. I’m afraid they will see the ‘real’ me and not like me for who I really am.  I have to work harder than others to prove myself and achieve my goals. I can't make any mistakes or ask for help, or they will think I'm incompetent.  Why do we experience Imposter Syndrome “Imposter syndrome is more common than we might think and something we may experience at different stages of life,” mindset and confidence coach Francesca Nervegna tells us. With research suggesting that up to 70% of us may experience imposter syndrome in our lifetime, this fear-driven mindset can affect anyone at any time, regardless of their age, gender or profession.  There are many reasons why we may experience imposter syndrome, some of these include striving for perfectionism, our upbringing, facing a new challenge and social comparison.  “Perfectionism is another way that self-sabotage and imposter syndrome can disguise themselves,” explains Christina. “Holding ourselves to unrealistic standards and expectations stops us from going after our dreams, let alone even trying. This happens when we are afraid of failing, of being seen, feeling vulnerable or not feeling as good as others.”  The environment in which we grew up in can also lead us to strive for perfectionism and experience imposter syndrome. “People who grew up in environments with high expectations or where success was often compared to others' achievements may have internalised the belief that they need to constantly prove their worth,'' Christina adds.  Similarly, a big life change that involves taking the leap before we feel ‘ready’, such as a new job or promotion, can trigger self-doubt and feelings of imposter syndrome.  We may experience imposter syndrome when we compare ourselves to others, either those around us or on social media. “The grass may seem greener on the other side, we might think that others are better than us and start to compare ourselves to them and compete with them in our minds,” Francesca adds.  Christina echoes this: “We're constantly bombarded with messages that our worth is tied to our achievements and external validation. The pressure to meet these unrealistic standards can be overwhelming.” Christina believes that social media makes this worse by only showing us the highlights, making it seem like everyone else has got everything together while we are struggling.  Stereotypes can also lead to feelings of imposter syndrome. “Individuals from underrepresented groups may feel added pressure to succeed and represent their group positively, which can contribute to imposter syndrome,” Christina explains. “They might also face implicit or explicit biases that undermine their confidence.” How to beat Imposter Syndrome The first step to beating imposter syndrome is becoming aware of it and identifying that we have self-limiting beliefs. “Once we identify it, we are already one step ahead and we can start working on it,” Francesca explains.  Acknowledge your feelings To start identifying your limiting beliefs and find clarity around why these thoughts or feelings are coming up, Francesca suggests journaling. Once you identify your negative thoughts and the beliefs that fuel them, you can start to work on overcoming them.  Christina suggests using a technique called cognitive reframing, which involves replacing your negative thoughts with more positive and realistic ones.  This could include something like:  I deserve this success because I worked hard for it and I have the right skills and qualifications.  I don't have to know everything, no one does. I can learn from my mistakes and ask for help when I need it. I deserve love and a fulfilling relationship because I offer kindness, respect, and genuine care. I don’t need to be perfect in a relationship; no one is. Celebrate your achievements No matter how big or small, taking time to reflect on your accomplishments and celebrating your achievements will help to shift your mindset and reduce feelings of imposter syndrome. “Create a folder where you list down any positive feedback, milestones and accomplishments, or keep a journal with your successes, big & small. Come back to them whenever self-doubt creeps in,” Christina advises.  Share your experiences Opening up to trusted friends about your experiences may help you to feel less alone, and connect with others around you who are also experiencing imposter syndrome. “Sometimes, just hearing others say they’ve felt the same way can be incredibly validating.” Christina says.  Challenge negative thoughts Whenever you catch yourself thinking a negative thought, such as ‘I’m not good enough’, counter it with evidence that shows you it’s untrue. “Often, you’ll find that the negative thoughts are baseless and you have far more examples of why you are good enough, exactly as you are. “ Christina says.  Francesca often uses positive affirmations with her clients, to help them require their brain and replace old patterns and limiting beliefs with new ones.  “You can also use positive affirmations to rewire your brain and replace old patterns and limiting beliefs with new ones,” Francesca adds. “Your brain will believe anything that you tell it, if you are constantly affirming that you are an imposter and you are not good enough, you will keep believing it. On the other hand, thanks to neuroplasticity, you can reprogram your brain to embrace more positive thoughts and, in turn, boost your confidence.” Shift to a growth mindset Beating imposter syndrome is all about shifting your mindset from striving for perfectionism to embracing growth. “If you are ready to stop self-sabotaging and stop letting your internal dialogue make you feel like an imposter you are going to have to let yourself be imperfect,” says Chrsitna. She adds: “Understand that mistakes and failures are part of life and a fundamental part of the learning process. Remember, courage comes first, confidence follows.”
Read more
Striving For Peak Performance? Treatments To Give You An Athletic Edge

Striving For Peak Performance? Treatments To Give You An Athletic Edge

Are you trying to shave a few seconds off your race time, deepen those yoga stretches, or hit a new personal best at the gym? Even with a solid training routine, it can sometimes feel like your full potential is just out of reach. That’s why we’ve partnered up with Urban, the UK’s leading home massage app, to find out the best three treatments that will push your athletic performance to the next level.  1. Deep tissue massage What does deep tissue massage do? The treatment that eases away knots to free up movement.  Did you know relieving muscle tension may be the key to improving your performance? Deep tissue massage uses kneading motions to release knots and stiffness across your body, leaving you with a greater range of motion. This helps you to reach higher, twist deeper and move more fluidly than before, making it ideal for avid golfers, rock climbers, tennis players and yogis alike.  You should expect a medium-firm pressure that gradually gets stronger, with the therapist using their elbows, fists, forearms and knuckles to break down tension deep in your muscles. Athletic edge: improves flexibility “Eva’s deep tissue massage certainly did the trick. Loosened my stiff muscles prior to a two-day golf tournament. Polite, efficient and informative, Eva was certainly a good choice of therapist.” Review for a 90-minute deep tissue massage with Eva K. Book a deep tissue massage  2. Sports massage All the benefits of a deep tissue massage, while targeting sport-specific aches and pains.  Lingering injuries can stop you from performing your best, but sometimes you’ve gotten so used to that familiar ache you don’t do anything about it. Sports massage is the perfect way to pinpoint and address any sports-related injuries, so you can recover faster and increase your capability. What does a sport massage do? Sports massage uses a variety of techniques with a firm pressure to re-oxygenate tired muscles and release built-up tension. Your therapist will also work with you to create a wider recovery plan and get those niggling injuries under control.  Whether you're dealing with a frozen shoulder, knee pain, shin splints, trapped nerves or general discomfort from exercise, a sports massage is the treatment for you. Athletic edge: speeds up recovery “Effective and targeted treatment for mid-marathon training strain. Tihamer’s knowledge and practical suggestions are a great help for me moving forward with my training.” Review for a 60-minute sports massage with Tihamer K. Book a sports massage 3. Relaxing massage A soothing massage, helping you to de-stress and refocus.  Research published in the National Institutes of Health shows that mental fatigue can reduce physical endurance by up to 20%. This means that poor mental health doesn’t just impact your wellbeing - it also hinders your athletic performance. A relaxing massage is designed to calm both your mind and body, helping to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promote a feeling of tranquility.  What happens at a relaxation massage? With gentle pressure and smooth, flowing strokes, this treatment offers a serene and restorative experience. Combine your massage with deep breathing, a playlist of your choice and scented candles for added relaxation.  Athletic edge: clears mental clutter  “As a highly competitive triathlete (Olympic - sub 2h30m, Half Ironman - c. 6 hours) massage is a crucial part of my training regime. Massages will greatly improve my recovery and give me that extra edge over my competitors. I have already seen improvements in my 100m swimming splits… I can’t wait for my next massage.” Review for a 60-minute relaxing massage. Book a relaxing massage Ready to reach your peak? Use code INNERMOSTBLOG10 for 10% off your first Urban treatment.
Read more