MOVE OF THE MONTH APRIL ISSUE 2012

Often our IT Bands can become tight due to active exercises, such as running, cycling, court sports, and climbing. Follow these exercises to stretch and strengthen your IT Bands.

THE MOVES

#1 – Foam Roll IT Band

De Franco's Agile 8 : Foam Roll IT Band
Start just below your hip and roll up & down to your mid-(outer) thigh 10-15X, focusing on any tight spots. Then perform 10-15 “rolls” starting at your mid-(outer) thigh and rolling all the way down to the outside of your knee. Again, focus on the tight areas.

#2 – Foam Roll Adductors 

De Franco's Agile 8 : Foam Roll Adductors
Start just below the crease of your hip and roll up & down to your mid (inner) thigh 10-15X, focusing on any tight spots. Then perform 10-15 “rolls” starting at your mid-(inner) thigh and rolling down to the inside of your knee. Again, focus on the tight spots.

#3 – Glute/Piriformis Myofacial release w/ static stretch

Joe DeFrancos Agile Eight : Glute/Piriformis Myofacial release w/ static stretch
Start with using a foam roller. Advanced: use a tennis ball or lacrosse ball.

 

#4 – Rollovers into “V” sits

DeFranco's Agile 8 :  Rollovers into “V” sits
Perform 10 reps. Be careful for this is an advanced trainee exercise. If you experience any discomfort with this exercise, discontinue immediately.

#5 – Fire hydrant circles

DeFranco's Agile 8 : Fire hydrant circles
Start on all fours and circle one leg backwards, to the side, forwards and then back down. Do 10 forward circles and repeat with other leg. Then repeat by starting in the opposite direction. (10 forward circles each leg and then 10 backward circles each way for a total of 40 reps)

#6 – Mountain climbers

DeFranco's Agile 8: #6 - Mountain climbers –
Start in a pushup position. Jump your right knee to your chest and landing gently with the balls of your foot. Then in one motion, jump your right foot back while bringing your left knee up towards your chest. Perform 20 with each leg.

#7 – Groiners

DeFranco's Agile 8: #7 – Groiners position 1 DeFranco's Agile 8: #7 – Groiners position 2
Starting position is the same as the pushup on your toes. Now jump both legs at the same time and have both feet land next to your hands. When you land, try to have your heels down. Next step is jump the legs back to starting position. Make sure that your core is tight to prevent you lower back caving in.

Perform 10 reps and hold the last rep for 10 seconds while you press your knees out with your upper arms and allowing your butt to drop down.

#8 – Static hip flexor stretch

DeFranco's Agile 8: Static hip flexor stretch
Perform 3 sets of 10 seconds each leg. Perform all 3 sets on one leg before moving onto the other leg.

Download Joe DeFranco’s Agile Eight for Increasing Hip Mobility