Nat’s learning lots – update on stretching

I’ve been adding moments for stretching into my day. After a week I’ve learned a lot.

Tight Quads

One posture that didn’t feel like a stretch when I was younger is sitting with my feet tucked under my butt and shins on the floor. Lately I need support by putting a yoga block in the tallest position between my feet to support my sits bones.

I’ve noticed the stretch along the front of my shins and top of my feet. It’s a delicious, warm feeling around the bones. It’s the kind of release and relaxation I often chase when stretching.

I need the block support because the tissue connecting my quadriceps to my knees are really tight, especially on the sides.

In addition to trying this pose on the floor I’ve taken to kneeling on the couch, facing the back while resting my head forward to allow a fuller range of motion. This support shifts a bit of weight off the joints and allows my heels to touch my glutes.

Proud Pigeon but no King

I’ve always enjoyed the deep hip stretch from bending one knee on front of me and extending the back leg flat against the floor then melting my upper body onto the floor.

When that feels too spicy I used fire log or a 90-90 pose, all stretch my hips.

For years I have had a goal of being able to do a King Pigeon.

My back leg refuses to lift on its own. I use a strap and eventually can get my hand around my foot. It’s intense. A hot burn comes from my quad and I let it go. It’s too far for me right now. I think there is benefit in having a literal stretch goal. Please tell me you saw what I did there.

So what?

By adding more intense stretching to my day I’ve learned that I can move the needle on my flexibility. It’s not big showy moves like King Pigeon. The wins are in exploring tightness and discomfort while steering clear of pain.

I’m challenging myself to not avoid something that shows I’ve aged and changed. I think this confronting my current reality is a good lesson to learn.