Stretch Your Filet Mignon
There is a very significant muscle in the human anatomy that is often overlooked when it comes to stretching routines, the iliopsoas. Besides the complicated name, this muscle is one as humans that is kept in contraction far too frequently as it is a prime hip flexor. This means that every time you are in a seated position, whether it is in the car, at a desk, on a bicycle the coach watching TV, etc. the iliopsoas is in a contracted/shortened position.
The iliopsoas connects the low back to the legs, running from the lumbar vertebrae passing through the abdominal cavity and ending at its' attachment to the hip. Known as a significant contributor to low back pain, stretching this muscle is important to incorporate in your fitness routine.
To stretch the iliopsoas, the goal is to open your hip flexor. This is accomplished through backward bending motion that can be done from standing, lying face down and rising up, or a bent knee position. Many of these stretching positions are incorporated in Pilates and/or Yoga routines. A well rounded health and wellness routine definitely needs to incorporate extension exercises to ensure we balance the flexion that predominates daily life. Check in with an athletic trainer, Certified Pilates or Yoga instructor to ensure you are addressing your extension needs in your health and wellness routine.
And now to the filet mignon trivia you have all been waiting for.......
In four-legged domestic animals, the iliopsoas has little if any use as it swings the hind legs forward in walking but other than that is not used. It is for this reason, that it is often the most tender cut of meat, aka: the filet mignon. So, don't forget to stretch your filet mignon as a part of your fitness routine.
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