The spinal rotation stretch relaxes the hips and the rotator muscles of the lower and midback and stretches the ligaments that support the disks. The spinal rotation stretch improves circulation and helps muscles recover faster by pumping fresh blood into the lower body. Spinal rotation can be included in everyday stretching or after a lower body workout in which the spine was loaded.
Seated trunk rotations increase mobility of the torso. Trunk rotations can be performed at your desk or in your home office. The increased mobility will facilitate better circulation and relax tired muscles.
The Renegade Row is a combination of two exercises: the push up and the row. It works both the pushing and pulling muscles simultaneously while also challenging the core musculature. The Renegade Row is a great exercise for bringing balance to the upper body.
The Medicine Ball Slam — Three Position exercise is an excellent full-body conditioning movement. The “med” ball slam is challenging enough to be its own workout. If you’re in need of burning some calories quickly, try this exercise for 3 sets of 10 reps. Keep the rest period short and the intensity up.
The dumbbell supine fly performed on the ball is an advanced exercise requiring a strong core. By weighting the body on one side it forces you to work harder to stabilize the movement. The surface of the ball provides for more range of motion and therefore recruits more muscle to perform the action. If one side of you chest is stronger than the other this exercise can help even out development. Bodybuilders like to use this exercise as a “finishing” movement on their chest day.
The reversion extension on the swiss ball is a great exercise to strengthen the muscles of the back and glutes. By using the swiss ball you activate more muscles than if you perform the exercise on the floor or on a bench. The reverse extension on the ball is ideal for anyone looking to improve their back and glute strength. Hold the contraction for a second or two to get the most out of this exercise.
The reverse hip extension on the ball develops strength in the low back, glutes and hamstrings. This exercise is a challenging and fun way to develop low back strength. Focus on activating your glutes as you raise your legs. Keep your feet close together and stabilize your upper body with your hands planted firmly on the floor. Perform this exercise for a stronger core.
The ball thoracic extension is a stability ball exercise that strengthens the upper back and core. The surface of the ball allows for greater range of motion than if performed on the floor. The stability ball is a great tool for developing your strength, endurance, balance, and coordination. Perform the ball thoracic exercise at home or in the gym.
The tripod drape performed on a swiss ball stretches the back muscles. The upper, middle and lower-back muscles are effectively stretched with this exercise. The surface of the stability ball allows the muscles surrounding the shoulder blades to relax. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds or as long as it feels good. Alternate this exercise with rolling your back on the foam core to work out knots and give self massage.
The trunk extension on the Swiss ball develops low back and glute strength. Performing this exercise with you feet against a wall will add support and make it easier to perform. Once you’ve mastered this exercise with your feet against a wall try it in an open space. By keeping you feet together you will recruit more of the core. As you extend your back you will feel the ball shift underneath you and this movement will require more muscles to stabilize your body.
The kneeling ball side drape with arm overhead stretches the spine and torso. By placing your arm overhead you increase the stretch of the upper-back “lats”. The surface of the stability ball increased the range of motion and therefore the effectiveness of the stretch.
The Lateral Lunging Cross Body Muscle Snatch is a great exercise to enhance coordination. It uses most of the muscles in your body and teaches them to work together in the most efficient manner. This is a great exercise for beginners to get their body moving in different directions.
The Lateral Medicine Ball Slam is a great whole body exercise that will challenge some often neglected muscles, like the obliques. This exercise replicates the movement of swinging a sledgehammer or an axe, two forms of tough physical work. It is best to do this exercise with a ball that does not bounce.
The ball side drape with arms over head stretches the torso and back muscles. By extending the arm overhead you increase the effectiveness of the stretch and release tension in the shoulder blades. Hold your arms overhead for 30 seconds or as long as it feels good. Repeat often during back workouts and at the end of your workouts. Keep your feet apart to stabilize your torso.
The cat-dog stretch is perfect for anyone with an office job or after a long car ride. It helps improve flexibility of your spine which is essential for any type of movement or activity. This stretch can be performed anywhere, no equipment is needed. In between emails give the cat-dog stretch a try, it feels good.
The cobra stretch is a staple of most yoga programs. It is good for increasing mobility of the spine and stretching the abdominal muscles. It can be performed any where since you don’t need any equipment. Stretching should always be performed after you have warmed up thoroughly.
The Cross Body Muscle Snatch is a lot like the Dumbbell Muscle Snatch but with an element of rotation. It’s a great pre-hab exercise for golf or baseball. It’s also a great exercise to prepare your body for more ballistic movements like the Dumbbell Snatch or the Snatch.
The Standing Kayak with FSSB Straight Bar is a great upper body and core strengthening exercise.
Fitness Academy Europe is the European leader in fitness education. We deliver inclusive and insightful courses that emphasize practical training.
