Move of the Month: Settling Your Stomach

by GRP skier Annika Landis

Many athletes struggle with bloating or stomach pain during racing and training. Even the best food plan can’t prevent or alleviate the discomfort of cramming gels and sports drink during a long race or training day. 

Here are some easy movements to help settle your stomach:    

Knees to Chest: Lie on your back with your legs flat. Alternate hugging each knee to your chest, keeping the other leg flat on the ground. Hold for 10 seconds before switching legs. Repeat 4-5 times (or more!) per leg. 

Stomach Massage: Start in the lower right hand side of your abdomen and gently massage in clockwise circles, roughly following your large intestine. You can also do a massage by laying on a foam roller and gently rolling back and forth over your stomach. Apply whatever pressure feels good, the goal here is to help move things along. 

As with any stretch, deep breaths are helpful. Feel free to add any variations that feel good and fair warning: gurgling and farting may occur!