Kip from Solaris Massage has another message for you: Don't forget to stretch between sets at the gym! Or really ANYTIME!

Many of us have a tendency to roll our shoulders forward ... and if we don't stretch as we strengthen our muscles, we risk making that roll even stronger!

STEP #1: Clasp your hands together behind your back.

STEP #2: Bend at the waist ... feeling a stretch in your hamstrings [the backs of your legs] and your lower back.

STEP #3: Slowly lift your arms toward the ceiling ... feeling a nice gradual stretch in your shoulders.

Kip from Solaris Massage is demonstrating a great shoulder, axillary, and chest stretch.

STEP #1: Raise one arm toward the sky.

STEP #2: Next ... reach toward your spine, aiming right at middle of back.

STEP #3: Grab the elbow of your bent arm to deepen the stretch.
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STEP #4: Next, attempt to touch your fingers behind your back.

One side of your body is likely more flexible than the other.

Make symmetry your goal!

Don't skip the stretch when you exercise!

​Between sets of steps, rest your foot on the step and lean that bum back ... stretching out that hamstring. Remember to point and flex your foot to increase the stretch and the fluid motion of your ankle joint. Next, lean forward toward your foot on the step, deepening the stretch by reaching your arms toward the sky with a gentle arch in your lower back.

Kip from Solaris Massage is not only demonstrating this great stretch ... but she also advises that this stretch is great for your psoas, ankle, quad, abs, and shoulders.

Why not use the machine you just finished using to stretch?

Make flexibility part of your workout !

​You'll thank us tomorrow!

Kip from Solaris Massage is demonstrating how to use what is in front of you to help stabilize your body as you stretch out after a workout. 

Kip-a-roo from Solaris Massage is at it again. This combo stretch works your ankles, glutes, and hamstrings ... ohmy ...

STEP #1: Take a wide step with both of your feet flat on the ground.

STEP #2: Bend at the waist reaching your hands toward your forward foot.

STEP #3: Bend the forward knee, dropping into a deep lunge stretch [For an advanced stretch, drop your rear knee to the floor, looking toward the sky].

Don't forget the other side!

Kip reminds you: "Flexibility is youth! Stay Flexible! Stay Youthful!" Okay ... so I put a few of those words in her mouth.

Thanks for this week's stretching tip ... and for helping us get in better touch with our flexibility, Solaris Massage!

Kip from Solaris Massage is demonstrating an easy stretch that you can do just about anywhere. This is a great stretch to do as you walk up a slight hill. 

STEP #1: Take a large step forward.

STEP #2: Pause to lean back on your rear foot.

STEP #3: Push your hips forward and aim your rear heel to  the ground.

STEP #4: Try flexing and pointing your rear foot for some nice ankle mobility.

You'll feel a great stretch in your quads as well as through the calf and Achilles of the rear leg.

Don't forget the other leg!

Kip [from Solaris Massage] is a stretching stud! Here she is reminding us of the importance of stretching and the importance of staying flexible so that we can live a pain-free life.

This is a 3-part stretch that will hit your hamstrings, lower back, and shoulders.

STEP #1: Start in the position shown in the top picture. Kneel on one knee while you step forward with your other foot/leg. Try to start off with both knees at an approximate 90-degree angle.

STEP #2: Next lean back on leg that is behind you ... placing your buttocks on your heel. While in the process of leaning back, you will be straightening out your front leg as much as possible.

STEP #3: Lean your upper body forward and over your leg that is extended out in front of you.

STEP #4: Relax and breathe into the stretch.

Kip says: "Flexibility is youth!"

Thanks for this week's stretching tip ... and for helping us get in better touch with our flexibility, Solaris Massage!

Kip at Solaris Massage is demonstrating another stretch that can be done virtually anywhere: at home, at the bus stop, at Nordstroms, at the gym ...

This particular series of pictures is utilizing an I-beam to assist in a Figure 4 Stretch.

STEP #1: Start by keeping your back straight. Use a door frame or pole to stabilize your body.

STEP #2: Bend your right knee and cross it over your left leg ... resting your ankle on your left quad/thigh.

STEP #3: Next bend your left leg at the knee until you reach approximately 90*. It's as if sitting in a chair.

You will feel a deep stretch through the hip of your bent leg as well as through both shoulders.

Kip says, "Flexibility is youth! Prevent Injury by staying flexible."

Kip at Solaris Massage is helping us become a little more flexible ... one stretch at a time. Here is an adductor stretch that you can do at home. It might be a little weird if you did this in the middle of a restaurant filled with strangers ... but hey, if you're comfortable with the situation, go for it!

STEP #1: Start by placing your back against a wall with your feet turned out and your heels together.

STEP #2: Lean forward, using your elbows to open your hips.

STEP #3: Twist to each side alternating positions.

Thanks for sharing your Kermit the Frog flexibility moves, 
Solaris Massage!