Band Hip Adduction — Standing

Hip adduction performed standing with a resistance band works the inner thigh muscles. This exercise can be performed anywhere, making it a good substitute if a cable machine or inner thigh machine is not available. You can also perform this exercise seated with the resistance band anchored around your knee. The standing variation is best because most activity is performed while standing. This is referred to as “ground-based”, because your feet are in contact with the ground.

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Band Leg Curl — Prone

The leg curl performed with a resistance band in the prone position strengthens the hamstrings. You can perform this exercise at home or at the gym. Hamstring development is important because without it the quadriceps of the front of the thigh can become overdeveloped and lead to muscle imbalances and potentially an injury. Prop a rolled up town under your hips to alleviate low back strain during the exercise. Pause at the top for peak-contraction.

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Band Leg Curl — Seated

Performing the leg curl while seated and using a rubber band for resistance is a great way to strengthen the hamstrings. This exercise isolates the hamstrings and provides a good solution if you are away from the gym. Make sure the chair is strong and is firmly planted on the floor. Keep your torso upright and squeeze at the bands hardest point to achieve a peak-contraction in the hamstrings.

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Band Leg Extension — Seated

The leg extension performed while seated and with a resistance band isolates and strengthens the quadriceps. The seated leg extension can be performed at home or at the gym using machines, resistance bands, cables or manual resistance. You can perform this exercise as part of your lower-body workout. The leg extension exercise is a staple in bodybuilding and is frequently referred to as a “definition” exercise, meaning it helps make the muscles more visual and defined.

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Band Terminal Knee Extension — Standing

Terminal knee extensions are used to strengthen the quadriceps. It is believed that this exercise helps runners knee. Runner’s knee is when the patella (kneecap) rubs against the end of the femur (thigh bone) as the knee moves. The terminal knee extension exercise strengthens the (VMO) vastus medialis oblique muscle, which is primarily charged with keeping the patella in its proper place. For increased comfort, place a towel behind the knee before tightening the elastic band.

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Bent-knee Quad Isometrics — Seated

The Bent-knee Quad Isometrics exercise preformed while seated increases quad strength and promotes appropriate patellar tracking. This exercise is used as part of rehabilitation routine for various knee injuries, such as an ACL tear. If a foam roller is not available you can roll up a beach towel and place it under your knee. Isometrics require the muscles to create tension at a constant length, therefore the muscles do not move the body part.

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Cable Hip Adduction — Standing

The cable hip adduction exercise performed standing strengthens the hip adductors and core muscles. The hip adductors receive a lot of direct work during other exercises such as squats and leg presses. Therefore, you may not require the targeted strengthening of the hip adductors that the cable hip adduction provides. If muscle mass is not desired, you may perform the cable hip adduction exercise in place of squats and presses.

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Half Wall Slide

The half wall slide “wall sit” is an isometric exercise for the thighs. The wall sit uses your bodyweight and gravity for resistance on the thigh muscles (quadriceps). Skiers use the wall sit to develop strength in the legs and glutes (butt). You can use the wall sit as part of your workout routine. It’s a perfect bodyweight exercise for the home or gym.

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Short Groin

The short groin stretch targets the inner thighs. The inner thighs work to adduct (bring together) the legs. The adductors include the pectineus, adductor brevis and adductor longus and the gracilis and adductor magnus. The inner thigh muscles are used in many sports such as, sprinting, playing football, and horse riding. The short groin stretch target the short adductors which go from the pelvis to the thigh bone.

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Neural Mobility

The neural mobility stretch is a good exercise for office workers and people with a tight neck and shoulders. It can be performed anywhere, at any time. When doing this exercise it helps to think of lengthening your neck, not just leaning to one side. When done properly and regularly the neural mobility stretch should help improve the range of motion in your neck.

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Seated Neck and Shoulder Stretch

The seated neck and shoulder stretch is a good way to actively stretch your neck and shoulder. This exercise can be done anywhere and it is good for people with limited mobility in their neck or shoulder. The seated neck and shoulder stretch is good for beginner exercisers and people who spend a lot of time sitting at a computer.

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