Mat Matters, Episode 33: IT Band "Stretches"

Okay, so I say this in the video and I'll say it again here: There are differing opinions regarding whether or not you can actually stretch the IT Band. Some say yes. Some say no. Some say that stretching the tissue around it and the muscles that attach to the IT Band can be helpful, others say that this does nothing.  

Because I am not a physical therapist, doctor, chiropractor, or anatomy expert, I cannot weigh in on this. All I can do is show you what feels good and what has provided relief in my own body--a body with a VERY tight IT Band, messed up hips, and somewhat regular lower back pain, all of which I believe is connected, and all of which feels better after I stretch my IT Band area. 

So, todays's vid focuses on my 3 fave IT Band "stretches" (for lack of a better descriptor). They're fairly simple, I find them effective, and whether or not they actually "stretch" the IT Band, they provide me with good pain, a deep opening, and a long, solid ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, which is what I'm after when I stretch. 

Oh, and did you know that the IT Band is not a muscle? It's actually a thick band of fascia! Fascia = fascinating. I suggest you read this article if you don't know much about it. 

Also, I recently got feedback from one of my readers saying that she prefers the Mat Matters episodes that I tape in my home because I seem more relaxed in that setting and Sayde makes appearances. What do you think? Agree or disagree? Have a preference re: studio vs. home? Curious to hear.

Enjoy the episode! Hope to be back with more short, at-home classes/sequences for you soon...