If you’ve struggled with tight, troublesome IT bands, these yoga-inspired exercises are for you.
In this free yoga demo, running coach and yoga teacher Sage Rountree explains what your IT band actually is, discusses its function, and introduces a two-pronged approach both to alleviate achy IT bands and to strengthen your glutes to prevent future pain. These beginner-friendly yoga exercises can be performed before or after any Greenville gym workout.
Here’s what you’re in for:
First, you’ll learn a quick movement to build your glute strength to improve the communication between your lower leg and hip so your IT band doesn’t have to work so hard to keep you in line. It’s also a great exercise to cultivate more balance! Then, learn a forward folding pose to release all of the muscles that play a role in IT Band Syndrome, especially in the outer hip region where the IT band crosses. This exercise may also provide a bonus hamstring and calf stretch. These exercises, when combined, are especially helpful for runners and athletes in the prevention and/or healing of chronic IT band tightness.
Moral of the story: Just stretching your IT band isn’t going to cut it. To effectively deal with IT band issues, you have to BOTH strengthen the places that are weak and release the places that are tight.
So, make sure to mix in a combo of IT band stretches and strengtheners to best support your knee and hip health so you can rock your Greenville athletic club activities pain-free.
To give your IT bands even more love, check out a Greenville Yoga class!