By Thomas King, MSc, CSCS, CEP

With the COVID-19 related mandates, more and more of us are now working from home. In many cases, our at home set-ups for work may not be ideal (I know mine isn’t). You may be lucky enough to have a home office with a decent set-up but many others are likely working from the kitchen table or the living room couch.

These work set-ups are not optimal and make flexibility even more important during this time if you want to avoid a bad back or a stiff neck. Still going into work with your normal set-up? These stretches can benefit you as well.

Stretch 1: Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch With Opposite Side Reach

  1. Assume a “half” kneeling position with one foot forward and one knee on the floor. Place a cushion under the knee on the floor for added comfort.
  2. Tuck your hips posteriorly and engage the abs while simultaneously engaging the glute muscle on the same side as that which is on the floor.
  3. Reach upwards and away with the same arm as the kneeling side.
  4. Hold for 20 seconds and switch sides. Repeat 3 times.
Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch Front View
Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch Side View

Stretch 2: Wall Hamstring Stretch

  1. Lie on the floor next to a door that will allow the necessary space to perform the stretch (See picture).
  2. Lift one leg against the doorframe and attempt to get it as flat to the frame as possible.While doing this, keep your back and neck flat to the ground. Do not let your hips rise from the floor.
  3. Hold for 20 seconds and switch sides. Repeat 3 times.
Wall Hamstring Stretch

Stretch 3: Wall Corner Chest Stretch

  1. Find a corner in the wall of your house with enough space to work in (See picture).
  2. Hold both arms up with your shoulders and elbows both at 90-degree angles.
  3. Allow yourself to “sink” into the wall until you feel a stretch in your chest.
  4. Hold for 20 seconds, rest and repeat 3 times.
Wall Corner Chest Stretch

Stretch 4: Spider-Man with Chest Opening

  1. Take a push-up position on the floor.
  2. Bring one foot up and to the outside of you hand. Only go as far as you can while keeping the foot flat.
  3. While holding this position, take the same-sided arm and reach upwards opening up the chest.
  4. Hold for 20 seconds and switch sides. Repeat 3 times.
Spider-Man Stretch Front View
Spider-Man Stretch Side View

Stretch 5: Cat/Cow  

  1. Assume an all fours kneeling position on the floor.
  2. For the “cat” position, tilt the hips anteriorly while pushing the bellybutton as close to the floor as possible. Hold for 5 seconds.
  3. For the “cow” position, push the center of your chest as high as possible while allowing the hips to tuck into a posterior tilt. Hold for 5 seconds.
  4. Alternate between positions for 6-8 Rounds
“Cow” Position
“Cat” Position

Try this stretching routine once or (if you are feeling stiff) twice per day over the next couple of weeks. Trust me, your body will thank you for it!

~Thomas 🏋️‍♀️

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I joined JKC because I wanted to better care for my physical health, but didn’t really know how, or where, to begin.  Seeking help from a trainer seemed like a wise choice, and I had heard great things about the staff at JKC. Anyone who knows me knows that I hate exercising.  So, I’ve only ever tried sticking with a gym routine twice in my life.  Each experience consisted of me wandering around, not knowing what to do, and settling for an elliptical machine or something else that seemed comfortable and non-threatening.  Each session was the same, and I felt like I was wasting my time.

Each session at JKC, however, is specifically crafted for me.  I don’t have to think about what to do, because I’m told what to do.  I don’t have to worry about how to do things properly, because I’m shown (sometimes multiple times!) how to accomplish each task.  I don’t have to be concerned about slipping into a comfortable routine, because Jon and Thomas won’t let that happen.

Tara Rector-Whelan

Personal Strength Training by Thomas King

I started at JKC after a good friend recommended it to me. She had been coming for about a year and I was envious of her great results. I felt sluggish after failing to motivate myself with various home workout routines. I love the fun and relaxed atmosphere at JKC. It’s such a comfortable gym space and I enjoy knowing so many of the people I work out with. Jon and Thomas make an effort to introduce everyone to each other and with all the joking around,  it starts to feel like a family. Not to mention the awesome results. I’ve always liked to run on a treadmill but I’ve never had the drive to lift weights on my own. Going to JKC makes me accountable which was what I really needed. I feel so much stronger and healthier than I did 4 years ago when I started.

Courtney Sharpe

Nutritional Coaching by Julia Howard

For the past two months I have worked with the JKC team and have never felt better! In addition to a personal fitness plan, JKC’s holistic nutritionist, Julia, worked with me and around my busy schedule to educate me on healthier food options and meal planning. I maintain a daily food log which Julia reviews and provides feedback on and we also have weekly chats to discuss my nutritional goals and potential improvement areas. Julia also helped me to identify and work around dietary constraints which have caused digestion issues for years!

Julia and the rest of the JKC family have helped me get my confidence back! I love starting my days with a good sweat and a healthy breakfast. I understand what foods make me feel my best and my body is well on its way to becoming more lean, fit and happy! I would totally recommend Julia and the entire JKC team!

I have never previously seen the passion and level of care that Jon and Thomas bring to everyone who works out at JKC. Their knowledge, insight and skills are extraordinary, and they work with everyone individually to ensure the best possible results. The attention to detail and to every person’s specific requirements and goals, and the incredible, constant encouragement they provide, is, in my opinion, what truly distinguishes JKC from any other program in which I’ve participated. I am extremely pleased with the progress I’ve achieved thus far, and it’s largely attributable to Jon and Thomas and the approach they take to training and working with people.

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