Pinterest has really taken over my life this past week. Primarily because I have been unable to run. I must entertain myself somehow and Pinterest happens to be full of ideas & information. Some of it proves valuable...some of it...a waste of time!
One of the "valuable" posts I came across was about one thing that I am sure ALL women dread...the "Lower Belly Pooch."
Believe it or not, I happen to have a lower belly pooch myself.
Many of you may find that it comes from diet, inactivity, having children, weight loss, etc; however, what you may not know is that it could be a result of tight hip flexors.
Personally, I have encountered more lower back pain, probably as a result of this. If I walk for a long period of time, maybe about an hour or so, my back tightens up. The only way to relieve the pain is by bending over and touching my toes, stretching out my hammies.
Fortunately, there are simple stretches we all can do to prevent body discomfort and reduce that belly bulge.
I have tried these myself and was surprised to discover just how tight my hips really were! You can find the full list and how-to at FitSugar.
The Butterfly
Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch
I also included some additional stretches that I located, as well.
Supine Hip Flexor Stretch
There are more stretches available for your hip flexors that will help correct and alleviate any pain or posture problems you are currently experiencing. It doesn't require much effort so you can easily do this while watching TV.
A lot of these poses are from Yoga and there's a great 3 Week Yoga Retreat that you can try free with our On Demand service along with many other workouts that will help you beat the battle of the bulge!
If you want more information, please your email below:
I am going to start focusing on stretching my hips to see if there are any significant changes or improvements and will be sure to update you all! I know some of my pudge could very well be from the dramatic weight loss I experienced, but hey, a slight change can make a big difference!
Do you have a belly "pooch"? Is it from tight hips?
Do you do any of the above exercises to prevent hip flexor tightness?
What are some of your favorite hip stretches? Do you have pictures or videos?
Great information!
ReplyDeleteOh, I have a pooch, but it has nothing to do with hip flexors. If only. Perhaps, once I lose some weight, I can blame the leftover tummy on this :)
ReplyDeleteSo did this actually get rid of your pooch?
ReplyDeleteI have an upcoming post which will so my current results of sticking to these stretches. Stay tuned :)
DeleteHi! I just came across this and was wondering if you saw results visually and in how you felt?
ReplyDeleteFeel free to let me know!
I did notice results visually. Though, it is important to maintain doing the hip stretches or it is easy to fall back into old habits. You have to be very disciplined and aware of your posture at all times before assuming that you are in the clear.
DeleteHi, how long should you hold each pose. Do you do them just once a day?
ReplyDeleteThanks
Firmly believe this! My belly isn't big it just sticks out. And my back is almost sickening, a friend of mine says it looks like a hole. My whole lower back doesn't even touch the ground it's so deep. I'm going to try these and hopefully they will help with the pain! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHow long do you hold each pose and how many times/day or week do you do them?
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem - it just slowly happened - thanks for the suggestions
ReplyDeleteNot all of these are for tight hip flexors but won't hurt to do anyway.
ReplyDeleteOh my god, this is exactly me!!! I've always wondered why I stand with my hips tilted just as your pic displays.. Even though I am slim my tummy sticks out and gives me a belly podge. Will deffo try these stretches!! Thank you :-)
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem - it just slowly happened - thanks for the suggestions
ReplyDeleteI am thin but have the pooch belly. I think it's what you describe, lately I've had major lower back pain. I also had scoliosis as a child and later in life had surgery to correct it by having the Harrington rods. Everything was perfect til now that I'm older and experiencing lower back pain. These exercises do seem to help alleviate the pain.
ReplyDeleteI definitely am going to try these. I know I have tight hips but never knew it would affect my posture this way. I have a very thin midsection and no reason for a belly pooch yet I always seem to appear to have my "gut" sticking out. I hope this helps - appearance and discomfort!
ReplyDeleteI am going to try these for sure can't blast my pouch away sans crazy ab routines and fasting. I am an avid runner with a pouch it's nonsense.ug Thanks nice read
ReplyDeleteI've had this problem my whole adult life: thin but always look like I have a "baby bump" as my mom says. So embarrassing in photos!
ReplyDeleteI will try these. Hopefully this will fix my back pain I get after walking long periods on the job and my stupid pooch that has no reason for being there.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for the information! Stretching is always good, especially as you get older. People do not realize how important it really is to your overall well being.
ReplyDeleteI am incredibly happy to see this information! I knew there had to be a reason for the way I stand and WHY I have such bad posture. I can actually feel the my pelvis is tilted. Whenever I brought it up to my Dr. he just said I need to work on my posture and do stretches. Yes, that is really the only info I was given. No specific area to target or anything. This would also explain why I can even stand on my knees without bending my torso forward. Now if you could just put together a poster size of this so I could hang on my wall, that would be wonderful. ;)
ReplyDeleteAlso the pooch can be as a result of abs separation called diastasis recti.
ReplyDeleteI tried these and it helped my lower back pain!
ReplyDelete