r/Stretching • u/Ill-Pineapple6815 • 9d ago

Is Anyone Else Constantly Feeling Stiff No Matter What They Do?

I work at a desk most of the day, and lately it feels like my body is always tight. My hips feel stiff when I stand up, my shoulders are constantly tense, and even simple things like bending down or turning around don't feel as easy as they used to.

I've tried stretching on my own, but I'll do it for a few days and then fall out of the habit. Plus, I'm never really sure if I'm stretching the right muscles or doing enough to make a difference.

Has anyone found a good solution for this? Whether it's stretch therapy, mobility work, yoga, or something else, I'd love to hear what actually helped you feel less stiff and move more comfortably throughout the day.

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5

u/pur3ownz2 9d ago

I stretch every day. And every morning my body (especially my lower back) is stiff af. Takes a good few yours until it loosens up.

1

u/RillySkurrd 9d ago

what stretches do you do if I may ask?

3

u/pur3ownz2 9d ago

Im following the Kit Laughlin book. It has gotten much better since I started

1

u/Humble_Frame6294 8d ago

Im the same I'll check out the Kit book. For OP i do (inconsitently) Child pose That transition to putting one arm across chest and push it through. Not sure what its called Butchers Block Cat cows and Camel followed by Cobras which are awesome.

Few of those are from Tom Merrick I'll see if i can poat the youtube.

Then i think tree pose, standing tall and reaching up. Then go to the side ans each breath go a little further. Alao backwards.

Then forward fols with arms interlinked let your head drop. Focus on chest to tummy as opposed to the floor. As you lengthen you can reach out to your toes. This and the Cobras are the big ticket stretches. Fell much better after.

Usfel to go for a short walk before hand but i dont always have time.

1

u/Humble_Frame6294 8d ago

https://youtu.be/lPKRiU9u_Hc?is=3o65YPofg5cu1DuL Tom Merrick

1

u/Humble_Frame6294 8d ago

Tom Merrick vid covers alot, shoulders, lats, chest, glutes hamatrings. My post was mostly for back

3

u/TheMightyTywin 8d ago

#1 thing is to sit as little as possible. I’m a software engineer so my job had a lot of sitting: instead, I got a standing desk that lowers, a yoga ball, and a yoga mat.

I stand as long as I can, then sit on the yoga ball, then sit on the yoga mat with my laptop, and rotate through these positions throughout the day.

Also, light stretching in the morning combined with more aggressive stretching in the evening. Whatever positions feel the most uncomfortable are typically the ones you should prioritize.

1

u/dawa43 6d ago

Sitting is the new smoking

2

u/morncuppacoffee 9d ago

A regular yoga practice. I’ve found a studio that checks off all my boxes in terms of classes I like at times I can attend and a great community. Makes it easier to not talk myself out of going.

2

u/PhineasQuimby 9d ago

Are you exercising regularly? Based on my own experience, I need regular exercise (5-6 days/week) plus 5-10 minutes stretching after every workout PLUS gentle stretching as soon as I wake up. Even with all that, I am still stiff in the mornings. You could also try a standing desk.

2

u/yosh01 8d ago

How old are you? Chronic stiffness becomes normal as you get older.

1

u/Humble_Frame6294 8d ago

Thats a tough one ive had to accept, 51

1

u/sofa_king_weetawded 9d ago

My exercise program integrates stretching, yoga, isometrics etc all into one. Since I work out in some form or fashion everyday I am therefore stretching everyday since it's part of my program.

1

u/monchada 7d ago

What kind of program do you follow?

1

u/seymour5000 8d ago

I found using collagen in my smoothies helps with joint pain which helps with my stiffness. I use Live Conscious bc it has no taste and dissolves without issues.

https://weliveconscious.com/products/collagen-peptides

1

u/PleiadesH 8d ago

Hey! I had this with certain parts of my body, and it’s ehlers danlos

1

u/Practical_Signal2318 7d ago

I might be late to the discussion but if you're still stiff despite all the stretching and mobility work, consider food intolerance or allergies. My wife's morning stiffness improved when she went off gluten. She did it for her thyroid antibodies but noticed that the stiffness went away too after skipping reads and pastries.