The tiger curl is the yoga movement you need to add in to your stretching routine.
Welcome to our weekly Move of the Week series. Every Monday, we’ll be sharing with you one of our favourite exercises – how to do them, what muscles they work and why they should be a regular part of your workout regime. This week: the tiger curl.
We all know that feeling of wanting to totally stretch your body after sitting at a desk all day, when there’s that niggle in your lower-back that you just can’t kick. A downward dog certainly helps, as does a cat and cow but sometimes you’re still left feeling unsatisfied after going through the motions of your go-to yoga poses.
One move you should add to your end-of-the-day-stretch repertoire is the tiger curl, a delicious full-body stretch.
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What is the tiger curl stretch?
The tiger curl is a full-body stretch and it also has strengthening elements for the core, arms and shoulders. This exercise is great because it:
Can improve your core strength: the tiger curl requires you to engage your abs and core.
Improves the mobility in your back: your back contracts during this movement which can improve mobility (and feels great).
Supports your balance: practicing the tiger curl can help you improve your balance.
What muscles are worked in the tiger curl stretch?
The tiger curl stretch is a full-body movement and the muscles it targets include:
- Core and abs
- Shoulders
- Lower back
- Hips
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How to do the tiger curl stretch
- Start in a plank position with your feet and hands shoulder width apart.
- Bring your knee into your chest, as close to your nose as possible, and as you do curve your spine. Hold for a few seconds.
- Stretch your leg back out to the plank position.
- Repeat on the other side.
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Images: Stylist
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