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    Lower Back Pain from Shoveling? Try These 5 Stretches

    It's the blog post I've been DYING to write!

    If you've been a reader for a while, you know that I'm a yoga instructor, and I absolutely love it.

    It's a healing, beautiful art that anybody can practice, no matter the age or experience level.

    I also live in Connecticut, so yes, I was shoveling ice all weekend, and yes my back was very sore.

    But it's an easy fix! And I want to show you how to easily heal yourself from this common ailment with these 5 yoga stretches. 

    5. Downward Facing Dog

    This pose is probably the most well known yoga pose, and it's great for your back.

    Begin with your hands - spread the fingers far apart for more surface area. 

    Then lift the hips, and position the feet hips-width apart and parallel to each other, nice and straight.

    Now push back into the heels, releasing the head, totally relaxing the neck.

    If this is too much for your hamstrings, you can always just bend the knees. 

    4. Child's Pose

    This pose is very easy, and works wonders for your lower back.

    Bring your knees to the edge of the yoga mat, and simply sit back onto your heels.

    After that, stretch the arms out straight in front of you and bring your forehead to the Earth.

    You can stay in this pose as long as you'd like.

    3. Knees to Chest

    This is very easy as well.

    Just lie on your back, and slowly bring your knees to your chest.

    Hold your knees with your hands, and release your head to the ground.

    Feel free to rock up and down or side to side to massage the spine and the muscles supporting it.

    2. Hanging Forward

    Again, very simple yet very effective.

    Bring your feet hips-width apart.

    Slowly bend forward, reaching for opposite elbows once you reach your max.

    Completely release the neck, surrendering to gravity, elongating the spine.

    If this is too much, you can bend your knees to your comfort level.

    1. Cobra Pose

    For this stretch, lay flat on your belly, tops of your feet on the ground.

    Squeeze your glutes, pushing your hips into the Earth.

    Bring your hands next to your ribcage, push the shoulder back, look up, and inhale as you push up from the ground.

    Make sure that your glutes stay squeezed, your hips are on the ground, and your shoulders remain back.

    Don't sacrifice your shoulders falling forward for straightening the arms.

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    That's about it! I'll be sure to come out with another blog with more stretches after the next snowstorm.

    Questions? Let me know in the comments!

    Stay warm out there,

    Dan
    Ice Man / Yoga Instructor / Plant-Based Wildman
    FNDN

     

    P.S. Our Heated Skin-Fit Base Layer is perfect for shoveling snow - and we just re-opened pre-orders!

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