Butt stretches

[Robyn]

One of my hockey players is having a problem with his peraformis (I think that's what it's called.)  It's the muscle in your butt cheek that we stretch in spinning class.  The one where we cross one leg over the other knee and go into a sitting position.  For those of you that go to spinning it's the stretch that makes me say, "Oh yeah!!!"  Anyway, I'm looking for some stretches to recommend to him, as well as any websites that deal with stretching the lower body.

Thanks.

[Sandy]

Check out http://www.runningtimes.com/issues/05june/prirformis.htm.  This is one of the best piriformis stretches out there.  Also take a look at the external rotation of their foot falls.  If they stand with their toes pointing out to the sides have them practice walking and standing with their toes pointing forward.

Sandy

[Robyn]

Thanks for the info Sandy.  I have my player do similar stretches to the one in the photo but I'll get him to try this one as well.

My mother says THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the article.  She's calling everyone back home and telling them.

[Sandy]

You're welcome.

The key to this stretch is to hold the top of the foot and pull the foot up while pulling the knee towards the opposite shoulder.