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Spinal Twist
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Stretch It: Shoulder Releasing Spinal Twist
Tense shoulders are a symptom of stress and working at a computer all day, so take a break, get on the floor, and give this relaxing stretch a try. It's a variation of the chest opening spinal twist, and it'll not only relieve tension in your shoulders, but you'll also get a nice stretch in your lower back.
To learn how to get into this pretzel of a stretch, read more
Hit the Hay: Spinal Twist
Stretching in bed is a great way to calm the body before bedtime. It relieves stress and tension, so you can fall asleep more quickly. When you wake up in the morning, stretching in bed instead of snoozing for 10 minutes, will give your brain some calm time before you have to get up and hit the ground running.
Partner Yoga Pose: Twisting Seated Straddle
When I need a good hamstring stretch, Seated Straddle is one of my faves. To feel an even deeper stretch in the backs of my legs, I like to do this pose with a friend as in Seated Straddle Lounge. If you liked that one, here's another variation to try.
Strike a Yoga Pose: Scissor Legs Side Crow
After practicing Side Crow and Straight Legs Crow, you're ready to give this pose called Scissor Legs Side Crow a try. It's similar to One-Legged Arm Balance, but it's a twist instead of a hamstring stretch. As with all arm-balancing poses, it'll take practice, strength, and stability to achieve this pose, so keep trying until you master it.
Stretch It: Eagle Spinal Twist
Spinal twists are one of those stretches I love to do just about whenever. Twisting is great in the morning, after a workout, after eating, at your desk, or even right before bed. I'd like to share a twist variation with you known as the eagle spinal twist; it deepens the twisting motion of the spine and stretches the back more than a regular twist.
Stretch It: Windmill Spinal Twist
If you're looking for a stretching bargain — two stretches for one move — then you will certainly enjoy the Windmill. This spinal-twist-meets-hamstring stretch is great to do after you stretch your hamstrings while tying your shoes. Not only will you feel it in your lower back, but it'll also open your chest, shoulders, and the sides of your torso.
Stretch It: Chest Opening Spinal Twist
I feel that no matter what you do, everyone can benefit from twisting and stretching their spines. Here is a wonderful stretch that will seriously open your chest, too.
Music: "Midnight Drive" by Phillip Emanuel
For a detailed description of how to get into this stretch read more
Strike a Yoga Pose: Pigeon Twist
Yoga keeps me running by restoring length to the overused and shortened muscles in my hips and legs. Hip-opening poses like Pigeon are essential if you run, bike, hike, or sit at a desk regularly – all of which apply to me, by the way. Plus, stretching out tight hips can also relieve lower-back pain.
Stretch It: Spinal Twist Against a Tree
It seems that all forms of exercise, from running to ab work, makes for a tight back. Here's one of my favorite twists. I love that you don't have to touch the ground to do, so it is perfect to do after a run.
Belly Aching? Try Some Yoga
So how are you feeling after that enormous Thanksgiving meal? Not so good? If your belly is feeling less than perfect, try some of these "wind releasing" stretches (that's really what they're called).
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