Perhaps, arguably one of bodybuilding’s most legendary figures Arnold Schwarzenegger went on to give everyone a significant and visually jarring reminder on an often-neglected component of health and fitness.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
The 72-year-old former bodybuilder, actor and politician shared some important words on his Instagram account “Flexibility is just as important as weight training itself, so here we go,” he said, appearing to do a full split on his kitchen counter. “Suck it up, in with your arms, and then bend over slowly to the side,”
Arnie added gently leaning over to reach his right foot and repeating the move on the other side.
“Anyway,” he said, stepping away from what were—very clearly, if we’re being honest—a pair of fake legs. “I feel really flexible today, feeling really proud of myself.”
While most of us may laugh at the mobility exercise move, it contains some form of truth. Some form of exercise has always been a part of our lives, whether it be walking, a light jog or even some form of strenuous work that’ll make you sweat and if you’re not in a position to do that, then you’re not doing your body any favours, especially during these lockdown days spending most of your day hunching in front of a computer or reclining in a comfortable chair.
Physical therapist Rachel Tavel, PT, DPT, CSCS quotes “All this bad positioning can take a toll on our bodies and their alignment. Muscles that are supposed to be lengthened and shortened throughout the day stay short, making them tight and potentially limiting movement.”
Thankfully a combination of simple stretches and some light warming up like jogging in one position or shadow punching for a couple of minutes would target problem areas such as the neck, pecs, upper back, hamstrings, and calves. Unfortunately for you and Arnold, however, it won’t help you do the splits.