Stretch - lowerback

[MrRob]

I need soem ideas for stretching my lower back. I tried to bend over but my big stomach is in the way.

Any other ideas? It is really tight.

[ebon00]

If you have a belly big enough to keep you from bending over you might have more serious problems than a tight lower back. There is really nothing that can be done for stretching the lower back without bending at the hip. The only one I can think of that might be beneficial (depending on your ROM) is a combination lower back/glute stretch. Sit on the floor with one leg straight out in front of you and the other bent at the knee with your foot flat on the floor on the opposite ide of the extended leg. Carefully grab the bent leg around the knee and bring it towards your torso while trying to 'lean into' the stretch. Depending on how much truth there is to your belly and its size you may not feel much in your lower back but it's the only thing I can think of.

[MrRob]

Put it this way. When I bend over with straight legs, I can just get to my knees.

[ebon00]

Originally posted by MrRob
Put it this way. When I bend over with straight legs, I can just get to my knees.

Well, are you sure that's because of your belly getting in the way? Or is it just that you're stiffer than a plank? Improving flexibility takes time and lots of it. I've seen people who could barely bend at the waist (bordering on the comical) who went on to become limber enough to touch the floor without a problem. It's all about patience. And try the stretch above and see if it helps at all.

[MrRob]

good point. I never have been able to touch my toes even when I was younger and lighter.

I need to stretch more and figure out how.

Does it make sense and or safe, to use a piece of rope to say around my feet for something to grap on to to help me stretch more?

When I bend over though I feel alot of pressure on my stomach though.

[NateDogg]

Originally posted by MrRob
Does it make sense and or safe, to use a piece of rope to say around my feet for something to grap on to to help me stretch more?

I actually do something like this. I will get on a platform and grab around underneath it to sort of pull myself down. I personally do not feel it is unsafe.