Spinning Your Wheels? Hit the brakes!

Here in Massachusetts we get from April to October to ride our bikes (kudos to you die-hards who trek through the snow and the slush in the winter months). We shine them off in Spring, get them tuned up then ride the trails as long as we can into the chilly evenings of Fall. However, it doesn’t come without a few aches and pains. While it may be “like riding a bicycle” to hop back on, sometimes our bodies just don’t agree.

Loosening up your hips is a major component to getting a long ride in on a sunny day without waking up stiff and sore the next day. While I’m sure you can find plenty of “do while you’re watching TV” stretches, give your hips some real love with a yoga class or even a Zumba lesson!

Our hip-flexors work all day, they keep us standing, help us walk and aid in getting in and out of cars or taking the stairs. However, that doesn’t mean they are getting love and attention. Here are a few things you will find in a yoga or Zumba class:

• butterfly pose: gone are the days of bouncing our muscles around, instead, find a comfortable butterfly position and start to fold your body forward
• salsa dance! moving our hips in multiple directions helps to keep the joints lubricated
• downward facing dog: this pose is great for just about whatever it is that’s ailing you

For more tips and tricks come try a class starting over April break. For a full listing of classes at Dance Soul Motion visit www.dancesoulmotion.com or check us out on Facebook. 

Until next week...stay fit, have fun and live a little :).