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Stretch 2: The Apostolopoulos Method—Easy Does It
Nikos Apostolopoulos (www.microstretching.com) was a track cyclist training for the 1992 Olympic team when a car struck him during a ride. The accident resulted in a spinal fusion, left him unresponsive to normal stretches, and spawned Microstretching, a low-intensity (no burn) flexibility routine. Says Apostolopoulos, who now runs a training clinic in Vancouver, British Columbia: "I'm doing my job well when my patient falls asleep during a session."


TRICEPS/SHOULDERS
Seated, place one hand on the opposite shoulder—elbow against the chest—grasp that elbow with your free hand and slowly pull it toward your side.

Benefit: Loosens triceps and posterior deltoids.

Hold: Very gently for 60 seconds

Reps: Three, each side














GLUTES
Lying on your back, bend your knees and place your feet on a wall. Make sure your hips are firmly on the floor. Bring the ankle of one foot to the opposite knee, making sure that your ankle is beyond the knee joint.

Benefit: Targets all three glute muscles. 

Hold: Very gently for 60 seconds

Reps: Three, each side


UPPER BODY
Seated on a bench with the backs of your knees against its edge, rest your hands on your thighs. Slowly rotate from the base of your spine to one side while reaching to place your hands on the bench.

Benefit: Flexes muscles around the spine, as well as the lats and rotator cuffs.

Hold: Very gently for 60 seconds

Reps: Three, each side

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Pick up the March 2006 issue for more secrets of the Southwest, nine Caribbean adventures, the best gear for runners, and our World Class outfitter trips.