Try this deep stretch when you’re ready to cool down

To help prevent stiffness in your buttocks and outer hips, try winding down with this stretch after a long hike, fitness walk or bike ride. It not only feels great, but it also helps to relax the muscles in this area of your body.

*

1 Lie down on your back on a padded mat or carpet. Bend your right knee and place your right foot flat on the floor. Place your left ankle across your right thigh, just above your knee. To protect your knee during the stretch, flex your left foot (do this by pushing your heel out and pulling your toes back).

2 Lift both legs off the floor and interlace your fingers behind your right thigh. Use your arms to pull your right thigh slowly toward your chest. At the same time, gently open your left knee and thigh toward the left, keeping the left foot flexed. Feel a deep stretch in the right buttock. Hold this stretch, breathing comfortably, for from 15 to 30 seconds. Switch sides and repeat to stretch the left buttock.

Karen Voight can be reached at kvoightla@aol.com.

-- Karen Voight