IF YOU DO ONE THING TODAY...DO A GORILLA SQUAT

HOW low can you go? I’m talking squats. This move – think of a gorilla, sitting – is something we’re designed to do.

But a lifetime spent in office chairs and on the sofa leads to immobility in these joints and unfortunately the lower back can end up picking up the slack, leading to long-term pain.

Try this simple mobility exercise to help loosen your hips. The more you do it, the easier you’ll find it.

Even if you do it a few times every hour on the hour today, I promise by the evening you’ll be a getting a good few inches or so lower.

Standing with your feet flat to the floor just beyond shoulder width apart, squat down as low as you can comfortably go.

Provided you are low enough, and maintaining a straight upper back but bending at the waist, lean forward into your squat.

With your arms straight and palms down, place your left elbow to the inside of your left knee, and vice versa with the right. Your elbows will be applying a gentle force to the insides of your knees.

Roll from one ankle to the other, creating a rotational movement through your spine and opening up your hips. Keep going back and forth, taking it slowly and maintaining a rhythm. Take it at your own pace, all the while ensuring you feel a good stretch and mobilising action through your hips and ankles.