The pandemic has meant that lots of us tall guys aren’t as physically active as we’d usually be. This can lead to real problems with lower back pain but don’t worry, we’re here to help!

Whether you're tall or skinny and tall, as tall guys, we're often plagued with lower back pain, which has only been exacerbated during these challenging times.

There are solutions though! Check out our man Mike, 6'10"/208cm, demonstrating some of the best stretches for dealing with lower back pain.

Back Flexion Stretch

This is a great stretch to open up some space in your lower back and lower vertebrae.

Instructions:

• Lie on your back and slowly pull your knees up towards your chest
• Interlock your fingers below your knees, at the top of your shins
• Flex your head forward until you feel a soft stretch across your lower back

Breathe through the whole process, and on each exhale, try to bring your knees slightly closer to your chest.

Kneeling Lunge Stretch

This stretch is surprisingly good for sorting out our notoriously bad posture. Although you're stretching your legs here, you'll feel a stretch in your lower back as you lean forward further.

Instructions:

• Begin with one knee on the floor, and one leg forward with that front foot flat on the ground
• Lean forward with your hands on your front leg for balance
• You should feel a stretch on the front part of your back leg, your hip flexor muscles

Repeat the above a few times and then switch sides.

Knee to Chest Stretch

This stretch is very similar to the back flexion stretch, except this uses one leg at a time to stretch more to the sides of your back.

Instructions:

• Lie on your back with your knees bent and both feet flat on the floor
• Hold one leg with one hand around the ankle area and one hand at the knee
• Inhale, then exhale and gently pull your knee to your chest (hold this for around 30 seconds)

Switch sides and repeat!

The Andy Stretch (Outer Hip Piriformis Stretch)

This is one of our Director, Andy's favourite stretches for lower back pain - you should hear the noises he makes when he does it...

• Lie on your back with one leg flat on the ground, and the other leg bent with that foot flat on the ground, and the arm on the bent leg side straight out on the floor
• Lift your bent leg over your flat leg, and place your flat foot to the outside of your knee
• Keeping your shoulders and stretched out arm as flat on the ground as possible, stretch your bent leg away from your body, exhaling as you do so

You should feel a stretch in your lower back/buttocks area. Hold this for 30 secs and switch sides.

So there you go! Just a few ways of dealing with lower back pain at home during these challenging times. Make sure you wear our activewear for tall guys, like our extra long sweat pants and training tops!

Tall guys, we’ve got you covered.

Until next time,

#team2tall