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This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

5 Best Stretches To Relieve Sciatica Pain Under 5 Minutes

Ease your back pain with these gentle, effective stretches from a leading expert.

Kimberly "Coach Kim" Baran Thomas, CPT Vive Health
Copyright Vive Health/Youube

Living with sciatica pain can make even the simplest daily activities feel challenging. Whether you're struggling to get out of bed or sitting for long hours at work, that nagging discomfort in your lower back and legs can significantly impact your quality of life. The good news? Relief might be just five minutes away.

Meet Kimberly "Coach Kim" Baran Thomas, CPT, a certified personal trainer with over three decades of experience helping people move better and feel stronger. Based in Naples, Florida, Kim has developed a simple yet powerful sequence of stretches specifically designed to target sciatica pain and improve mobility. "Motion is lotion," as Coach Kim likes to say, and these exercises prove just that. Follow along with these expert-approved stretches to start feeling better today.


Preparation: Setting Up for Success

Before beginning, Coach Kim underlines the importance of checking with your physician before starting any exercise program. Find a comfortable yoga mat or firm surface, and remember that consistency is key. "You can do these stretches once or twice daily, performing three to five repetitions on each side," Coach Kim suggests in her post.

Single Knee Hug with Ankle Rotations

Single athletic woman with blond hair in blue outfit on back stretching hamstring muscles while holding knee close to her chest

Shutterstock

Start by lying on your back with one leg extended. "If your lower back is particularly sensitive, keep the extended leg bent," advises Coach Kim. Pull one knee toward your chest while rotating your ankle in both directions. This gentle movement improves ankle mobility and promotes blood flow. Switch sides and repeat. As Coach Kim notes, "Every cell in your body will thank you for this stretch."


RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Cross-Body Knee Pull

Shutterstock

For this stretch, lie on your back with one leg straight. Using your opposite hand, gently pull your bent knee across your body while looking in the opposite direction. "For enhanced relief from sciatica, pull the knee up more diagonally towards your chest," Coach Kim suggests. Hold for 2-5 seconds on each side. This movement targets your glutes and hamstrings, areas often associated with sciatic pain.

Gentle Knee Drops

Attractive young woman working out in living room, doing yoga exercise on wooden floor, lying in Belly Twist Pose, Jathara Parivartanasana, resting after practice, full length, top view, Trunk, Rotations, Spinal, MobilityShutterstock

Position yourself with feet together and knees touching, arms at your sides with palms down. Coach Kim emphasizes the importance of control here: "It's a drop, not a flop." Gently lower your knees to one side, then the other. This movement helps release tension in your lower back while maintaining proper alignment.

Double Knee Hug

Beautiful young woman working out at home, doing yoga exercise for spine on wood floor, lying in Knees to Chest pose, Pawanmuktasana, Gas Release Posture, resting after practice. Full length, top viewShutterstock

Bring both knees toward your chest, interlocking your fingers around them. "If you have neck issues, keep your head down," Coach Kim advises. Otherwise, you can gently lift your head. Hold this position for a count of three, release, and repeat. This stretch is particularly beneficial for those with spinal stenosis.

Wide-Legged Knee Drops

Flexible yoga man reclined with internal rotation

Shutterstock

For the final stretch, position your feet wider than shoulder-width apart. "Tight hips and hamstrings contribute to back pain," explains Coach Kim. Perform gentle knee drops to each side, allowing for a deeper stretch in the hips. This variation helps release tension in both the hip flexors and lower back.

RELATED: 7 Best Back Pain Exercises Physical Therapists Actually Recommend

Making It a Daily Habit

Middle age beautiful sportwoman smiling happy. Lying down on mat practicing yoga doing bridge pose at gym

Shutterstock

As Coach Kim emphasizes, "Prevention is key." These stretches can be performed in bed before starting your day or on a firm surface whenever needed. For optimal results, aim to complete this sequence daily, even twice a day if possible. Remember, "Movement is medicine," and consistency with these stretches can lead to significant improvements in your mobility and comfort.

Tips for Success

Side view of female in green wear sleeping outdoors after doing yoga exercises. Crop of woman relaxing peacefully after yoga exercising among grass holding hands behind head. Concept of calmness.Shutterstock

Coach Kim recommends starting slowly and listening to your body. If you experience any unusual pain or discomfort, stop and consult your healthcare provider. Remember that healing takes time, and regular practice of these stretches can contribute to long-term relief from sciatica pain.


RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

The Science Behind the Stretches

Woman,Working,Laptop,Headache,Back,pain,sore,hurtShutterstock

According to Coach Kim, about 84% of people experience back issues at some point in their lives. These stretches target key areas that contribute to sciatic pain, including the lower back, glutes, hamstrings, and hips. By maintaining regular movement and stretching, you can help prevent future issues while managing current discomfort.

Your Path to Relief

Fit woman doing yoga relaxing and breathing exercises on beach at sunset. Freedom, relax and harmony in nature. Female stretching arms alone.Shutterstock

As you incorporate these stretches into your daily routine, pay attention to how your body feels. "Ask yourself, how does your back and hips feel?" suggests Coach Kim. With consistent practice, you should notice improved mobility and reduced discomfort. Remember, these stretches are not just about immediate relief—they're about building a foundation for long-term back health and mobility. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

More For You

Kimberly "Coach Kim" Baran Thomas, CPT Vive Health
Copyright Vive Health/Youube
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Living with sciatica pain can make even the simplest daily activities feel challenging. Whether you're struggling to get out of bed or sitting for long hours at work, that nagging discomfort in your lower back and legs can significantly impact your quality of life. The good news? Relief might be just five minutes away.

Meet Kimberly "Coach Kim" Baran Thomas, CPT, a certified personal trainer with over three decades of experience helping people move better and feel stronger. Based in Naples, Florida, Kim has developed a simple yet powerful sequence of stretches specifically designed to target sciatica pain and improve mobility. "Motion is lotion," as Coach Kim likes to say, and these exercises prove just that. Follow along with these expert-approved stretches to start feeling better today.

Preparation: Setting Up for Success

Before beginning, Coach Kim underlines the importance of checking with your physician before starting any exercise program. Find a comfortable yoga mat or firm surface, and remember that consistency is key. "You can do these stretches once or twice daily, performing three to five repetitions on each side," Coach Kim suggests in her post.

Single Knee Hug with Ankle Rotations

Single athletic woman with blond hair in blue outfit on back stretching hamstring muscles while holding knee close to her chest

Shutterstock

Start by lying on your back with one leg extended. "If your lower back is particularly sensitive, keep the extended leg bent," advises Coach Kim. Pull one knee toward your chest while rotating your ankle in both directions. This gentle movement improves ankle mobility and promotes blood flow. Switch sides and repeat. As Coach Kim notes, "Every cell in your body will thank you for this stretch."


RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Cross-Body Knee Pull

Shutterstock

For this stretch, lie on your back with one leg straight. Using your opposite hand, gently pull your bent knee across your body while looking in the opposite direction. "For enhanced relief from sciatica, pull the knee up more diagonally towards your chest," Coach Kim suggests. Hold for 2-5 seconds on each side. This movement targets your glutes and hamstrings, areas often associated with sciatic pain.

Gentle Knee Drops

Attractive young woman working out in living room, doing yoga exercise on wooden floor, lying in Belly Twist Pose, Jathara Parivartanasana, resting after practice, full length, top view, Trunk, Rotations, Spinal, MobilityShutterstock

Position yourself with feet together and knees touching, arms at your sides with palms down. Coach Kim emphasizes the importance of control here: "It's a drop, not a flop." Gently lower your knees to one side, then the other. This movement helps release tension in your lower back while maintaining proper alignment.

Double Knee Hug

Beautiful young woman working out at home, doing yoga exercise for spine on wood floor, lying in Knees to Chest pose, Pawanmuktasana, Gas Release Posture, resting after practice. Full length, top viewShutterstock

Bring both knees toward your chest, interlocking your fingers around them. "If you have neck issues, keep your head down," Coach Kim advises. Otherwise, you can gently lift your head. Hold this position for a count of three, release, and repeat. This stretch is particularly beneficial for those with spinal stenosis.

Wide-Legged Knee Drops

Flexible yoga man reclined with internal rotation

Shutterstock

For the final stretch, position your feet wider than shoulder-width apart. "Tight hips and hamstrings contribute to back pain," explains Coach Kim. Perform gentle knee drops to each side, allowing for a deeper stretch in the hips. This variation helps release tension in both the hip flexors and lower back.

RELATED: 7 Best Back Pain Exercises Physical Therapists Actually Recommend

Making It a Daily Habit

Middle age beautiful sportwoman smiling happy. Lying down on mat practicing yoga doing bridge pose at gym

Shutterstock

As Coach Kim emphasizes, "Prevention is key." These stretches can be performed in bed before starting your day or on a firm surface whenever needed. For optimal results, aim to complete this sequence daily, even twice a day if possible. Remember, "Movement is medicine," and consistency with these stretches can lead to significant improvements in your mobility and comfort.

Tips for Success

Side view of female in green wear sleeping outdoors after doing yoga exercises. Crop of woman relaxing peacefully after yoga exercising among grass holding hands behind head. Concept of calmness.Shutterstock

Coach Kim recommends starting slowly and listening to your body. If you experience any unusual pain or discomfort, stop and consult your healthcare provider. Remember that healing takes time, and regular practice of these stretches can contribute to long-term relief from sciatica pain.


RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

The Science Behind the Stretches

Woman,Working,Laptop,Headache,Back,pain,sore,hurtShutterstock

According to Coach Kim, about 84% of people experience back issues at some point in their lives. These stretches target key areas that contribute to sciatic pain, including the lower back, glutes, hamstrings, and hips. By maintaining regular movement and stretching, you can help prevent future issues while managing current discomfort.

Your Path to Relief

Fit woman doing yoga relaxing and breathing exercises on beach at sunset. Freedom, relax and harmony in nature. Female stretching arms alone.Shutterstock

As you incorporate these stretches into your daily routine, pay attention to how your body feels. "Ask yourself, how does your back and hips feel?" suggests Coach Kim. With consistent practice, you should notice improved mobility and reduced discomfort. Remember, these stretches are not just about immediate relief—they're about building a foundation for long-term back health and mobility. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Side profile view smiling happy millennial Indian ethnicity girl standing on right, looking at empty space.
Shutterstuck/fizkes
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Movement can cure just about anything. Engaging your muscles and putting some tension on your body is essential for leading a healthy lifestyle. We all have certain activities that we enjoy more than others— and whether you like weight-training, playing pickleball or just going for a walk, movement in any form can pay dividends on your quality of life as you age.


There are a few essential features to any kind of workout: intensity, frequency, and form. Each of these three elements requires you to be disciplined and self-aware in how your incorporate movement into your day. My recommendation for anyone, no matter their fitness level or goals, is to stretch regularly and invest in good posture. Stretching even for just a few minutes a day, can significantly improve your posture and be a part of a routine that makes you look and feel better.

1. The Importance of Good Posture

Tired woman feeling neck pain, massaging tense muscles, suffering from chronic shoulder back ache.Shutterstock/fizkes

Your posture affects your balance and nervous system, so establishing good posture early in life can impact your health down the road. As you age, maintaining a wide range of motion can keep you physically able to do activities you enjoy. Having the proper alignment can help ward off spinal issues and muscle atrophy as well. If you have ever met someone in their 70’s who looks like they are 50, you’ve met someone who makes stretching and movement a priority.

Beyond the physical benefits of stretching, improving your posture can boost your confidence. Your posture affects your body language which can affect how other people see you. While you should make health decisions for yourself and your own goals, good posture is generally seen as a sign of self-confidence which comes across as approachable and friendly to others. Feeling good about yourself can boost your energy levels which can in turn, affect your enthusiasm to meet up with friends, spend time with you family, and try new things. Read on to discover the ultimate 5-minute stretching routine for good posture.

2. Toe Touch

Yoga at home exercise in living room house - woman on fitness mat training stretching legs touching toes.Shutterstock

Start off your routine with a basic, low intensity stretch. Begin standing up and slowly bend to touch your toes. Keep a slight bend at the knees, releasing tension in the muscles in your legs and back. Soften your hips and allow your spine to lengthen. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds to a minute. Repeat twice to warm up your whole body.

3. Cat Cow Stretch on Your Knees

Calm of Athlete Attractive Asian woman relaxing in yoga Cat Cow Pose on the pool above the Mountain peak in front of beautiful nature views,comfortable and relax in vacationsShutterstock

A common stretch in many yoga practices, the cat cow stretch releases tension in your back and abdominal region all the while drawing attention to your breath. While on all fours, align your shoulders with your hands and your hips to be over your knees. Inhale, look up, and allow your back to arch. Then exhale, tuck your chin to your chest, and round your back. Repeat this several times. These movements will release tension in your shoulders and neck. By activating your tailbone, the cat cow stretch will help with spinal mobility and improve blood circulation.

4. Standing Cat/Cow Stretch

A blonde woman in a black leotard and leggings, standing on a yoga mat in a room, doing yoga, bending backwards with her hands on her hipsShutterstock

Another stretch inspired by yoga, standing cat-cow is ideal for your shoulders and hips. It targets similar muscles to the traditional cat cow, but repeating the motion in a standing position allows you to work out tense areas. Stand with your feet hip distance apart with your hands on your hips. Inhale, lift your chest, and let your lower back arch as is comfortable. Exhale, draw your stomach towards your spine, and let your whole back curve. Repeat this several times.

Related: 5 Ways to Stay in Shape and Achieve Your Dream Body

5. Chest Opener

Profile portrait of young attractive yogi woman breathing fresh air, her eyes closed, meditation pose, relaxation exercise, working out wearing black sportswear top, close up image, window backgroundShutterstock

Standing tall with your feet hip width apart, clasp your hands behind your back. Try to keep your arms mostly straight, and raise your chin towards the ceiling, focusing on releasing tension in your upper back. Keep a focus on holding your core and not overextending your shoulders. Rather, squeeze you shoulder blades together and breathe deeply. This will help relax the ligaments and muscles across your chest.

6. Plank

Strong Beautiful Fitness Girl in Athletic Workout Clothes is Doing a Plank Exercise While Using a Stopwatch on Her Phone. She is Training at Home in Her Living Room with Cozy Interior.Shutterstock

To wrap up your 5-minute stretch routine, do a plank for at least 30 seconds to engage your core and activate the muscles all across your body. The muscles you strengthen through the plank position guide your body into its proper alignment and will improve your posture throughout the day.

Related: Woman Lost 45 Pounds in 3 Months With These 5 Simple Hacks

7. Final Word From the Trainer

,Fitness,Sporty,Female,Exercising,Pulldown,Personal,Trainer,exercise,gym,workoutShutterstock

While committing to an intense workout regime might seem like an unrealistic commitment for some, this 5-minute routine goes to show that small actions, when done consistently, can drastically improve both your physical and mental health. There are 1,440 minutes in the day, and I challenge everyone to spare just 5 of those to invest in their personal wellbeing. If you’re concerned about using proper form, I recommend working with a physical trainer for an assisted stretch session.

Josh York, Certified Personal Trainer; Founder & CEO of GYMGUYZ, the largest at-home and on-site personal training company serving 1,000 cities worldwide.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Pilates is one of the most popular workouts in the world for a reason: It helps people achieve that long, lean, and perfectly sculpted body that so many celebrities and models have. Vas Priebe is a Holistic Health Coach who is certified in both yoga and Pilates. She recently spoke with The Body Network about how to incorporate Pilates into your life and how it can help you achieve a flat stomach in just a few weeks.


Stretch First

Female,Workout,,Fitness,Training,stretch,stretching,exerciseShutterstock

“The biggest tip is stretching first so that your body is more open. When your body is more open, your body functions more effectively making muscle engagement easier. Better engagement equals better results,” says Vas.

Keep the Following in Mind Before You Start

Profile portrait of young attractive yogi woman breathing fresh air, her eyes closed, meditation pose, relaxation exercise, working out wearing black sportswear top, close up image, window backgroundShutterstock

Before moving onto her 5 exercises, she starts with the following tips:

  • Open inner thighs and hips before you begin your ab workout.
  • Less is more with abs when done properly.
  • Be patient, move intentionally with your breath, feel your body as you move and take your time.
  • Keep your neck, jaw, face, throat soft.Tension in those places steals the work away from the abs.
  • Abs should always be softening inward, as if they are hugging and supporting your spine, not bracing outward.

Related: Patrick Mahomes' "Natural Dad Bod" Has Everyone Talking. Here's How to Ditch It, According to Expert

Exercise 1: Wide Legged Forward Fold

Beautiful young woman in bright colorful sportswear working out indoors on blue mat. Girl doing Wide Legged Forward Bend, Prasarita Padottanasana posture. Full lengthShutterstock

“Take your arms out to a T and step your feet as wide as your arm span. Keep your feet facing forward. Hinge at your hips and place hands on the ground. Bend your knees and lengthen your spine to a table top position, arms beneath shoulders. Crown of head away from tail. Shift your weight back to the right heel as you lengthen and straighten your left leg. Hold for a breath cycle and then switch. Go back and forth, moving with breath for a minute or so,” says Vas.

Exercise 2: Runner’s Lunge

Positive athletic senior woman doing runner's lunge yoga pose on home workout, copy space. Sporty mature lady stretching her legs, exercising in living room. Domestic training during covid lockdownShutterstock

“Step your right foot outside your right hand. Turn your toes out slightly. Step your left leg back and lower back knee. Come to finger tips, lengthen and lift your spine tall, square your shoulders. Engage your glutes as you bend deeper into the lunge. Maintain length in spine and length through the back leg. Hold for 30 seconds or a few breath cycles and then switch,” she instructs.

Related: Fitness Guru Whitney Simmons Reveals 6 Secrets to Her Flat Tummy

Exercise 3: Table Top Knee Taps

Shirtless athletic man doing high plank knee touch workout on rooftop floor, home open air exercise concept, selective focusShutterstock

“Start in a table top position. Lengthen and lift your spine, crown of head reaches from tail. Square off shoulders and hips. Take an inhale and widen through your rib cage as you firmly press into the ground and maintain a long spine. Sustain your width and length as you exhale and lift your knees 2 inches from the ground.Inhale and tap them gently back down. Exhale and lift. Repeat 2 sets 8-10 reps,” suggests Vas.

Exercise 4: Supine Marches

Fitness woman working out on mat at homeShutterstock

“Lie on your back, arms by your side, legs in table top. Flex your ankles. Maintain a neutral pelvis. On an exhale, hinge at your hip and lower your right leg towards the ground. Knee stays bent in the tabletop position. Belly softens inward as leg lowers. Inhale and lift the leg back to start position. Move with your breath slowly, ensuring a sense of the abs softening inward on your exhale. Repeat 2 sets 8 reps on each side,” says Vas.

Related: 12 Powerful Ways to Transform Your Body at Any Age

Exercise 5: Chest Life

Side view of female in green wear sleeping outdoors after doing yoga exercises. Crop of woman relaxing peacefully after yoga exercising among grass holding hands behind head. Concept of calmness.Shutterstock

“Lie on your back, neutral pelvis, hands behind your head at the base of your skull. Elbows slightly wider than the shoulders. Lengthen through your under arms. Take legs to a table top position, knees together, toes pointed. Prep is important here. Lift your head and chest and hold. Take a big inhale into your side body as you lengthen through you under arms and engage your triceps and lats. Hold your head up with your arms so that you often your neck and engage your core. As you exhale, soften your abdominals into your body maintaining width through your rib cage and lower abs. Avoid your belly popping upwards, brace inward instead. Hold the position keeping an eye on your abs. Watch them on the exhale to ensure they are softening inward. Take 8-10 long slow breaths holding the position, legs in table top, head and chest lifted.”

💪🔥Body Booster:Research backs up the many benefits of Pilates. Studies have found it can help increase muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility, and improve posture and balance.

Ask Doctor Jo
Copyright AskDoctorJo/YouTube
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

That nagging back pain from sitting too long or lifting something awkwardly doesn't have to ruin your day. Whether it's from hunching over your desk or an overenthusiastic workout, relief is possible with the right stretches and exercises.

Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy Doctor Jo has helped millions find relief from common aches and pains through her practical approach to physical therapy. With over 2 million YouTube subscribers, Dr. Jo specializes in creating easy-to-follow exercise routines you can do at home. Follow along with these expert-approved stretches to help ease your back pain today.

Start with the Pelvic Tilt for Core Engagement

Sporty woman doing exercises doing Bridge position on blue mat. Healthy beautiful women doing glute Bridge exercise, pelvic lift abdominal exercise at home. Woman doing hip raise in gym.Shutterstock

Begin by lying on your back with your knees bent. "The pelvic tilt is exactly what it sounds like—you're taking your pelvis and tilting it back," Dr. Jo explains in her post. Place your hands in the curve of your lower back and press down, trying to flatten your back against your hands. Hold this position for 3-5 seconds before releasing. Dr. Jo recommends starting with 10 repetitions to activate those core muscles.

Bridge Your Way to Better Back Health

Young athletic woman lifting her hips while doing glute bridge exercise on the floor at home.Shutterstock

After mastering the pelvic tilt, move on to bridge exercises. "Lift your hips up until you form a straight line with your body," Dr. Jo instructs. The key is controlled movement—lower yourself back down one vertebra at a time rather than dropping quickly. Start with 10 bridges, focusing on smooth, deliberate movements that help loosen tight muscles and promote healing.

Single Knee-to-Chest Stretch for Targeted Relief

Woman wear black sport clothes lying on floor practising asana do Half Knees to Chest Pose near grunge wall beige textured background, help ease back pain, flexible body stretch for beginners concept

Shutterstock

For this stretch, Dr. Jo recommends grabbing under your knee rather than over it to protect your joints. "Pull your knee toward your chest as far as comfortable," she advises. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then switch sides. Complete three sets on each leg, allowing yourself to feel a gentle stretch in your lower back.

Double Knee-to-Chest for Full Back Release

Beautiful young woman working out at home, doing yoga exercise for spine on wood floor, lying in Knees to Chest pose, Pawanmuktasana, Gas Release Posture, resting after practice. Full length, top view

Shutterstock

Take the stretch further by bringing both knees to your chest simultaneously. "You should feel this stretch right underneath your lower back area," notes Dr. Jo. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat three times. Remember to grab underneath your knees if you have any knee sensitivity.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Trunk Rotations for Spinal Mobility

Attractive young woman working out in living room, doing yoga exercise on wooden floor, lying in Belly Twist Pose, Jathara Parivartanasana, resting after practice, full length, top view, Trunk, Rotations, Spinal, Mobility

Shutterstock

Keep both legs together while lying on your back and rotate them to one side. Dr. Jo emphasizes keeping your upper body grounded while rotating: "Move only as far as comfortable, not to the point of pain." Hold each rotation for 3-5 seconds and complete five repetitions on each side.

Prayer Stretch for Full Back Extension

Side view of Asian woman wearing green sportwear doing Yoga exercise,Yoga Child\u2019s pose or Balasana,Calm of healthy young woman breathing and meditation with yoga at home,Exercise for wellness lifeShutterstock

Moving to your hands and knees, extend your arms forward into what Dr. Jo calls the prayer stretch. Reach as far forward as comfortable while lowering your head between your arms. Hold this position for 30 seconds, feeling the stretch along your entire back.

Finish with Yoga-Inspired Flow

Beautiful healthy female in black sports clothes snuggling to white terrier while practising Adho Mukha Svanasana. Cute dog experiencing boost in bonding with owner during yoga session at home.Shutterstock

End your routine with a flowing movement between plank, upward dog, and downward dog positions. "Hold each position for 3-5 seconds," Dr. Jo instructs. This dynamic stretch combination helps improve flexibility and strength throughout your back. Repeat the sequence 3-5 times. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Athletic woman in sportswear doing fitness stretching exercises at home in the living room. Sport and recreation concept.
Shutterstock
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Do you want to lose weight without going to the gym? There are lots of exercises you can do at home to burn fat and drop inches off your frame. Jamie Costello, vice president of fitness at Pritikin Longevity Center and NASM-certified personal trainer, offers ten simple and effective exercises you can do for fat loss.


Scissor Bridges

Side view of young woman doing gymnastics the half bridge pose in fitness studio or home practices yoga warming up exercises for spine, backbend, strengthening back and shoulders muscles.Shutterstock

Scissor bridges “are excellent for hamstrings, glutes (butt muscles), outer and inner thighs,” says Costello.

How to Do It: Lie face up on the mat. Squeeze your glutes and lift your hips off the ground. While holding the bridge, lift your right foot off the mat. Using a controlled motion, move your right leg out to the side and then back to the center. Repeat at least 10 times. Switch to the other side.

Opposite Arm Leg Crunch

Sportswoman with long fair hair doing crunches in studio. Side view of young Caucasian female raising arm and leg, while having abs workout, isolated on grey background. Concept of sporty lifestyle.Shutterstock

Opposite arm leg crunches are excellent for obliques (side abdominal muscles), according to Costello.

How to Do It: Lie face up with arms and legs extended overhead. Crunch upward while aiming your right hand towards your left foot. Alternate sides. Complete 10 on each side.

Squat With Side Leg Raise

Positive sportive woman with bun hairstyle and in tight sportswear doing squatting sit-up exercise while watching training video on tablet. indoor studio shot illuminated by sunlight from windowShutterstock

Squats with side leg raises are good for quadriceps, “the large muscles at front of thighs and outer thighs,” says Costello.

How to Do It: Stand with legs hip-width apart. Squat, keeping your knees behind your toes. As you stand up after each squat, lift your right foot off the ground, performing a side leg raise. Complete 10 squats/side leg raises on the right side. Then switch to the left.

Seated Spinal Twist

Young attractive yogi woman practicing yoga concept, sitting in Ardha Matsyendrasana exercise, Half lord of the fishes pose, working out, wearing sportswear, full length, white loft studio backgroundShutterstock

Seated spinal twists stretch the spine, shoulders, and hips, improves spinal mobility and releases tension in the back and shoulders, Costello explains.

How to Do It: Sit on the floor with legs extended in front, bend right knee and place right foot on the outside of left knee, twist torso to the right and place left elbow on the outside of right knee, gently twist further while keeping spine tall, repeat on the other side.

Jumping Jacks

,Strong,Athletic,Shirtless,Workout, jumping, jacks, exercise, workoutShutterstock

Jumping jacks are effective for increasing heart rate, improving cardiovascular fitness, and working multiple muscle groups, including legs, arms, and core.

How to Do It: Start with feet together and arms at sides, jump legs apart while raising arms overhead, then jump back to the starting position.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Lunges

Brunette female in good shape wearing white top and beige leggins doing lunges and holding blue dumbbells in hands, working out legs, looking straight ahead with serious expression.Shutterstock

Lunges “target quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calf muscles, improves lower body strength and balance,” says Costello.

How to Do It: Stand with feet hip-width apart, step one foot forward and lower body until both knees are bent at 90-degree angles, then return to starting position and repeat on the other side.

Dead Bugs

dead bugs exerciseShutterstock

Dead bugs “strengthen core muscles, including abdominals and lower back, improves stability and coordination, and helps alleviate lower back pain,” Costello says.

How to Do It: Lie on your back with arms extended towards the ceiling and legs bent at a 90-degree angle, engage core muscles to press lower back into the floor, slowly extend right arm overhead and left leg towards the floor while maintaining contact between lower back and ground, return to starting position and repeat on the opposite side.

Do More Cardio

Training,Cycling,Machines,cardio,bike,gym,fitness,exercise,workoutShutterstock

“If your goal is to burn fat, get a new cardio routine going. For example, rather than sticking to the same machine for the entire 45-minute session, break it up,” says Costello. “Try 15 minutes on the stepper, then switch to the elliptical for 15 minutes. There goes 30 minutes! Now try spinning for 15 minutes.”

RELATED: 10 Tips to Get Rid of Arm Fat

Do Mini Intervals

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Push yourself out of your comfort zone, yet be cautious of any injuries, he adds. “On each machine, do mini intervals. For instance, increase your speed for 90 seconds, then slow down (yet still working within your Training Heart Rate Zone) for 60 seconds. Then, increase your resistance for 2 minutes while keeping the speed the same. Then, decrease resistance for 1 minute. Repeat till your 15 minutes are up.”

Mike Mutzel metabolic_mike
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Have you been hitting the gym regularly but still struggling to lose weight? You're not alone. Many people face this frustrating situation, and according to recent research, the solution might be simpler than you think.

Mike Mutzel, MS, a functional medicine consultant and nutrition expert, shares research on why walking 8,000 steps daily could be the missing link in your fat loss journey. With over 700,000 YouTube subscribers and extensive experience in clinical nutrition, Mike's evidence-based approach has helped thousands achieve their health goals. As the author of "Belly Fat Effect" and a graduate of the Institute for Functional Medicine, he bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and practical application.

If you want to finally understand why your workouts might not be delivering results and learn how to fix it, this article reveals the science behind the simple act of walking and its profound impact on your body's ability to burn fat.

Why Being Inactive Makes Fat Loss Nearly Impossible

"Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide," Mike explains in his post, highlighting how sedentary behavior creates something called exercise resistance. This means that when you're inactive throughout the day, your body becomes less efficient at burning fat, even during workouts. The research, led by Edward Coyle at UT Austin, demonstrates that low daily activity can significantly impair your body's ability to metabolize fat.

RELATED: Doctor Reveals How Much Walking You Need to Hit 10% Body Fat

The Science Behind Exercise Resistance

According to Mike, "In people who have low physical activity, who walk less than 8,000 steps per day, a one-hour exercise session has no effect of increasing fat oxidation." This revolutionary finding explains why many people who exercise regularly but remain sedentary throughout the day struggle to lose weight. The body needs consistent movement throughout the day to maintain its fat-burning capabilities.

How Walking 8,000 Steps Transforms Your Metabolism

The research shows remarkable differences between active and inactive individuals. "We see a 19% increase in resting fat oxidation after exercise in people who maintain high step counts," Mike notes. This means your body becomes significantly better at burning fat, not just during exercise but throughout the entire day, when you consistently reach your step goals.

The Impact on Post-Meal Fat Burning

Mike emphasizes that walking more than 8,000 steps daily helps your body handle meals better. "You see a reduction in triglycerides of 27% in the high step count group compared to the low step count group," he explains. This improvement in metabolic health means your body processes food more efficiently and stores less fat after meals.

Making Exercise More Effective

When you maintain higher daily step counts, exercise becomes more beneficial. "People that are very sedentary, they go to the gym and they're just exhausted," Mike observes. However, regular walking throughout the day reduces exercise fatigue and improves performance. The research shows an 11% reduction in lactate buildup in the high step count group, making workouts feel easier and more effective.

The Sweet Spot for Longevity

Recent research cited by Mike reveals that "the sweet spot in terms of the number of daily steps we all should be striving to achieve per day happens to be around 8,600 steps." This amount not only optimizes fat burning but also reduces the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular issues.

RELATED:She Lost Weight in Her 40s with This Game-Changing Walking Hack

Protecting Your Brain Health

Mike points out that the benefits extend beyond fat loss: "People who sit longer than 10 hours per day have increased incidence of dementia." Regular walking throughout the day ensures better blood flow to the brain and improved cognitive function, making it essential for overall health and wellbeing.

Simple Ways to Increase Your Daily Steps

Making 8,000 steps achievable doesn't require dramatic lifestyle changes. Mike suggests taking "exercise snacks" every 90 minutes: "Take your dogs on a walk, if you work from home, take the stairs instead of the escalator." These small changes add up to significant benefits throughout the day.

The Perfect Balance: Structured Exercise and Daily Movement

"You still need to go to the gym, do structured physical exercise," Mike advises, but combining this with consistent daily movement maximizes results. Whether you prefer yoga, hiking, or resistance training, your chosen exercise becomes more effective when paired with regular walking throughout the day.

Your Action Plan for Success

To optimize your fat-burning potential, aim for at least 8,000 steps daily while maintaining your regular exercise routine. Mike recommends breaking up long periods of sitting with short walks and taking stairs whenever possible. These simple habits, when combined with proper nutrition and regular exercise, create the perfect environment for sustainable fat loss and improved overall health. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Weight Medicine with Dr. Meghan MD
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Have you ever wondered if weight loss medications could offer more than just helping you shed pounds? Many patients starting GLP-1 medications focus solely on weight loss, but there's a world of surprising benefits waiting to be discovered. Dr. Meghan Garcia-Webb, a Boston-based physician with board certifications in Internal Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Obesity Medicine, shares her expertise from helping hundreds of patients on their weight loss journeys. As the creator of "Weight Medicine with Dr. Meghan" and a certified life coach, she offers unique insights that could help you make informed decisions about your health journey.

Beyond Weight Loss: Understanding GLP-1 Benefits

"I prescribe these medications all the time and talk to patients about their weight all the time," Dr. Meghan explains in her video. While the primary benefits of GLP-1 medications are well-documented, she emphasizes that patients often experience unexpected positive changes that go far beyond the scale. These surprising advantages can significantly impact overall quality of life and long-term health outcomes.


RELATED:20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

Changes in Alcohol Consumption Patterns

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One of the most notable unexpected benefits involves changes in alcohol consumption patterns. "A lot of people have a decreased interest in alcohol," Dr. Meghan reveals. "Some people, they're like, yeah, I just don't even want to drink anymore. Or they, you know, maybe their interest was on a scale of one to 10, it was an eight and now it's about a three." This change appears to be linked to how the medication affects the brain's reward circuitry.

Breaking Free from Food Obsession

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For many struggling with persistent food thoughts, relief comes in an unexpected form. "Food no longer becomes very entertaining for people," Dr. Meghan notes. This change in the reward circuitry can lead to a significant reduction in food-related preoccupations, helping patients develop a healthier relationship with eating.

Managing Binge Eating Tendencies

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"For people who feel like their overeating was really getting into the out of control stage," Dr. Meghan explains, "they might really benefit, they might really notice that that's just less of an issue for them." This benefit can be particularly significant for those who might otherwise have needed additional medications to manage binge eating behaviors.


RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Inflammation and Pain Reduction

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A surprising physical benefit emerges in the realm of pain management. Dr. Meghan shares that "some people notice that when they take these medications, not only does it help their weight go down, but it actually seems to help with the chronic pain or the inflammatory pain." This improvement is linked to the reduction in adipose tissue, which can act as an inflammatory organ in the body.

Protecting Long-term Liver Health

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Recent research has revealed crucial benefits for liver health. According to Dr. Meghan, studies show that "they may lower the risk of progression from fatty liver disease to end stage liver disease, which is also known as cirrhosis." This discovery represents a significant advancement in preventing serious liver complications.

Improving Sleep Apnea Outcomes

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Sleep quality improvements represent another significant benefit. Dr. Meghan references recent studies showing how medications like tirzepatide can "really decrease the health burdens associated with sleep apnea," offering hope for better rest and improved daily functioning.


RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

Mental Clarity and Reduced Food Noise

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Many patients report experiencing what Dr. Meghan describes as a "decrease in food cravings and decrease in food noise." This reduction in food-related thoughts and cravings can lead to improved mental clarity and better focus throughout the day, allowing patients to redirect their energy toward other aspects of their lives.

Individual Variations in Benefits

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Dr. Meghan emphasizes that these benefits can vary significantly from person to person. "It's hard to predict if these things are gonna happen," she notes. "Sometimes they're just nice, surprising bonus benefits." This individualized response underscores the importance of working closely with healthcare providers to monitor progress and adjustments.


RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

Making Informed Healthcare Decisions

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Understanding these potential additional benefits can help you make more informed decisions about your health management strategy. As Dr. Meghan suggests, being aware of these possibilities while maintaining realistic expectations is key to a successful treatment journey. Whether you're just starting your weight loss journey or considering GLP-1 medications, these insights can help guide your conversations with healthcare providers and set appropriate expectations for your personal health journey. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Erica foreverwellnesslife
Copyright foreverwellnesslife/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want to lose weight and balance your hormones while eating delicious food? Erica is a hormone health and fat loss coach who lost 18 pounds in 4 months using the 100-50 Method to burn fat and boost metabolism. In a recent social media post she shares the top “hormone balancing recipes” that helped her drop weight fast – and will help you too. “If I wanted to lose 10 to 15 pounds in 6 weeks, here are the meals I’d have on repeat,” she writes in the post.

Chicken Fajita Casserole

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Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 bell peppers
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:

  1. Season the chicken with the taco seasoning and place in a large baking dish before topping with the onion, peppers, and cheese.
  2. 2. Bake at 350 -35 minutes.

Egg Roll In A Bowl

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Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or pork, grass-fed
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 14 ounces shredded cabbage
  • 1/4 cup liquid aminos
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha
  • 1 whole egg
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, brown the pork or beef until no longer pink. Add the garlic and sautee for 30 seconds. Add the cabbage, aminos, ginger, and sautee until desired tenderness.
  2. Make a well in the center of the skillet and add the egg. Scramble until done over low heat.
  3. Stir in sriracha. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with green onions.

Sheet Pan Dinner

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Ingredients:

  • 4 fully-cooked chicken sausage links
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 small red onion
  • 1 head broccoli
  • 1 sweet potato (about 1/2 lb.
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano

Instructions:

  1. On a cutting board, slice the chicken sausage and veggies.
  2. Add the sliced chicken sausage and chopped vegetables to a large bowl.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
  4. Toss sausage and veggies with oil and spices.
  5. Add to baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Bake for 30 min 425 degrees.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

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Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 3/4 Cup Franks Hot Buffalo Sauce
  • 3/4 Cup Onion Diced
  • 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
  • 1 Tsp Garlic Powder (Optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black Pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on high for 4 hours or cook on low for 6 hours, or until chicken shreds easily with a fork

Burger Bowl

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Burger Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 cups lettuce

Bowl Ingredients:

  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup dill pickles,
  • 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 4 cups French fries, cooked
  • Big Mac sauce or dressing of choice
  • sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the meat for about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Cook until no longer pink.
  3. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then stir to season the beef.
  4. Set aside while you prepare the bowl ingredients.

Egg and Veggie Muffins

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Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 8 large eggs
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, I use coarse, kosher salt
  • Pinch of black pepper, I use coarsely ground black pepper
  • ¼ to ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (see note)
  • ½ cup chopped spinach, more or less
  • ½ cup chopped bell pepper, more or less
  • ½ cup chopped ham or other cooked meat of choice, more or less (optional)

Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Liberally grease a nonstick muffin tin with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, salt and pepper. Process until well combined and fairly smooth.
  3. Add the feta cheese and pulse a few times until the cheese is in small pieces (I like the feta cheese pretty finely chopped, but it’s really a matter of personal preference).
  4. Sprinkle the chopped veggies and meat, if using, in the bottom of each muffin cup. I just eyeball it, but I use about 2-3 tablespoons of veggies and meat total per muffin cup.
  5. Pour in about 1/4 to 1/3 cup egg mixture on top of the veggies and meat.
  6. Add less at first to make sure each muffin cup gets some and then evenly distribute any remaining egg batter. The muffin cups should be anywhere from 1/2 to 3/4 full.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Overnight Chia Seed Breakfast

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Ingredients:

  • Night Before
  • ¼ cup almond milk
  • 2 tbs black chia seeds
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Natural Sweetener to taste- I like 1-2 tsp honey organic.

Morning Of Instructions:

  1. Splash of almond milk
  2. 1 tbs yogurt of choice
  3. Toppings of choice
  4. Raspberries, Blueberries, Mango, Almonds, Peanut Butter.

She Eats 100 Grams of Protein and 50 Grams of Healthy Fats Daily

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In another post, she reveals the three components of her weight loss. The first thing she did? “Use The 100-50 Method approach as your nutrition compass (100 g of protein & 50 g of healthy fats EVERY DAY) this method is proven to get your body into fat burning mode,” she revealed.

She Focuses on Insulin Hormone

Obese Woman with fat belly in dieting concept. Overweight woman touching his fat belly and want to lose weight. Fat woman her waist with a centimeter.

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Her second shift? “I now understand that my Insulin hormone is the # 1 thing I should focus on at 40. It’s is your fat storage hormone and excess insulin in the body leads to weight gain!” she writes.

She Regulated Her Hormones with Food

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And the third tactic she took? “Regulated my hormones with food,” she said. “What do all 3 of these have in common? They focus on blood 👏🏼sugar 👏🏼 balance, insulin control and food to help your finally drop the weight. No calorie counting, no more hours at orange theory, no crazy shots or magical drinks! Weight loss at 40 is different - I am proof!” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.