The 90/90 hip mobility movement is a great way to work on both hips at the same time. It combines external rotation of the front leg and internal rotation of the back leg which is required in most dynamic and athletic movements from walking, to a golf swing, to a hockey stride. A lack of either internal/external rotation on either side can lead to compensations in movement.
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The following videos demonstrate modifications for the 90/90. Some key points to help perform the movement are:
• both knees need to be at 90 degree angles
• foot on front leg should be in line with the back knee and shin
This a way of waking up the joints and muscles in your neck while learning to self-assess possible areas of tightness/restrictions. Something to consider incorporating into your daily routine.
Segmental flexion and extension of the spine is essentially a very slow and controlled CAT COW exercise.
The goal is to promote movement in each individual joint of the spine.
START POSITION:
✔️ On your hands and knees (quadruped position) – you will notice my toes are tucked under, if this is uncomfortable you can place your feet flat on the ground.
✔️Spine is in a neutral position.
1️⃣ While on your hands and knees you will START AT YOUR TAILBONE and work to ‘tuck your tail between your legs’ which will begin flexing or rounding your low back.
Slowly try to move the segments of the spine up to the sky until you get to your neck. You are now finished in a rounded position and looking under yourself.
This is HALF of the movement and puts your spinal joints into flexion.
2️⃣ To finish the FULL movement of CAT COW you will now move your joints into extension. Keeping all the joints in flexion, you start by reaching your tailbone to the sky. “stair step” the rest of the way up your spine until you are looking up as high as you can
This completes one full rep.
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❗️You want to make sure this movement is done pain free. If there is an area that is causing discomfort, only flex/extend the area in a range where you remain pain free.
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Repeat the entire movement again for 2 full reps. Doing this at least once a day will build the awareness of your spinal joints as well as strengthen them
These mobility exercises will help to open up and relieve some tightness in your upper back. These can help if you have neck pain, poor posture, mid to upper back tightness, or you sit a lot for work.
As we continue to work from home, our at home office may not be the most ideal set-up for comfort. This video series continues to provide some ways you can decrease tension in your neck as well as ways to help strengthen the muscles. You will need a ball similar to a lacrosse ball or yoga tune-up ball as well as something hard such as a metal water bottle or soup can.
Foam rolling is a great way to help loosen the muscles in an area that is feeling tight. Tight hips or quads will benefit from this particular type of rolling seen in the video. Please note the regression and progressions that Phil demonstrates. We recommend starting with a low intensity method and progress if you feel you could use more pressure on the muscles.
