Video:Quick Tip: How to Use Active Stretching for the IT Band Area
with JJ FlizanesActive stretching for the IT band area relieves soreness and tightness in the muscles of this section of the body. Watch this Quick Tip video from About.com for more on active stretching for the IT band area.See Transcript
Transcript:Quick Tip: How to Use Active Stretching for the IT Band Area
Hi I'm Author, Speaker and Trainer JJ Flizanes of JJFlizanes.com, and I'm here on behalf of About.com today to show you and to teach you about active stretching for your IT Band.
What Is the IT Band Area?
So one of the biggest myths out there is that you should stretch your IT Band. Your IT Band stands for iliotibial, and it's actually a tendon. And a tendon's job in the body is to absorb some shock and force to help your muscles and bones not absorb the shock and force. So you don't want to stretch your tendons because then you weaken their ability to do that.
Active Stretches for the IT Band Area
Now let me show you a way to stretch those muscles of your IT Band area. Those muscles cause hip abduction. The best way to stretch them is to do the opposite action, which is hip adduction. And that is best done side lying. So either with your foot in front or in back, you want to make sure to actively contract your adductor muscles which are on the inside of the thigh, lifting your leg as high as you can comfortably go, and then putting it back down.
Tips for Active Stretching for the IT Band Area
You can decide to do several repetitions. I would recommend starting with 10 or 20, or you can isometrically hold it as high as you possibly can, creating a better stretch for the outside. Thanks for watching. For more information, visit us online at About.com.
