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Four Household Items that Can Help You Stretch

How Dancers Can Maintain Flexibility throughout the Week

Sep 17, 2009 Elisabeth Sharber

Several pieces of furniture found in the house can serve as replacements for bars or extra stretching tools when dancers aren't in the studio.

It is important for dancers to make sure they keep themselves flexible throughout the week and during holidays. These pieces of furniture can act as either replacement bars, or extra tools to help someone make his or her stretching easier.

Chair, Banister, Table, or Dresser for Leg Stretches

Dance studios have bars that are effective for placing the foot on and stretching the calf. But this stretch can be done with a table, chair, dresser, or banister. It's slightly different with a flat surface, but chairs and banisters have that space for the heel to go on the other side of the "bar" if placed correctly. Once the foot is in place the other leg can bend to continue the stretch and practice control. Remember to stretch over the kneecap sideways and face down for hip and buttocks stretches.

Door Frame for Groin Stretches

A door frame can be used to stretch the groin. Spread the legs on either side of the frame against the wall, and grab the opposite sides of the frame (if you are in the hallway, grab the sides facing inside the room, and visa versa), and pull in. Alternatively, close the door (if the door leaves about an inch between the bottom and the floor), grab the bottom of the door, and pull in.

Stairs for Leg Stretches

Like the leg stretches at the chair and banister, the stairs can accomplish the same lift and maneuverability. But it allows one to raise the leg higher for a more advanced stretch. These stretches are helpful for those who are yet unable to do full splits. The different levels allow the stretch to advance with time. Leaning into the leg and bending forward will help the stretch have maximum effect.

Wall for Arm, Calf, and Buttocks Stretch

The wall is an effective place to stretch the arms, calves, and buttocks. For an arm stretch, simply place the hand on the wall with the arm extended, and twist the body so that it is facing the opposite direction of the extended arm. It helps if the arm is at an upward angle so that more of the pectoral can be stretched. For the calves and buttocks, sit down with the feet against the wall, straighten the back, and reach for the toes. The wall is especially helpful in this exercise because it keep the feet flexed upward so that the stretch is more efficient.

Of course, stretching the extremities can be done on any stable, raised surfaces. The important thing is to stretch as often as possible to dance one's best.

The copyright of the article Four Household Items that Can Help You Stretch in Fitness is owned by Elisabeth Sharber. Permission to republish Four Household Items that Can Help You Stretch in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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