OPEN FOR BUSINESS

To prevent a premature fitness KO, it’s essential to open up the front of your body. A looser chest and core will give you a much greater range of motion and help you put more power behind your punches. Take five minutes pre-sparring session to perform these yogic postures recommended by Husler. Hold each one for as long as you’re able to in order to leave uneven posture on the ropes.

1/ TWISTING FOLD

Ease that tight spine. Stand with your feet wide and hinge at the hips, placing one palm on the floor ( A). Keeping arms and legs locked, twist at the hips, and lift the other hand to the sky ( B). Try to float like a butterfly, then switch sides to help you sting like a bee.

2/ PEC MINOR RELEASE

One of the tightest parts of the body for combat sport enthusiasts is the pec minor, but this stretch hits it. Stand side-on and place your palm flat against a wall. Twist away, keeping your hand flat and chin tucked ( A). Hold for as long as you can, then switch sides ( B). You’re seconds out from rounding out your ROM.

3/ LUNGING BACK BEND

Pretty much the opposite of protecting yourself from a punch, this stretches the entire front of your body while strengthening your weak lower back. Raise your arms above your head, step out into a lunge ( A) and slowly reach backwards, bringing your palms over your rear ankle ( B). Now stand up and start fighting.