If you are tight across the chest or generally just stiff in your torso, try this stretch. This stretch is also amazing for waking up your body upon waking up!
The breath pattern is only a guideline but I feel it’s beneficial to deepen the stretch while your arm is open. Also, make sure you caught that part about the hip position! STACK them VERTICAL – you don’t want to bend and twist at the same time!
This exercise is contraindicated if you have been told not to rotate through the spine.
One final thought: Your thoracic vertebrae (mid – upper back) are doing most of the rotating here. Imagine the top 2/3rds of your torso rotating most of the way, with less rotation in the bottom 1/3rd of your torso.
As part of Stress Awareness Day, we want to provide a bite-sized resource to help you eliminate it! This stretch stands out as a client favorite because many who do it for the first time comment on how wonderful it is and how relaxing. Plus, there’s something lovely about lying on your side with your arm as a pillow, isn’t there?
Want to experience more stress busting stretching or exercise? We love to help people take their mind off things by focusing on movement a few hours a week. Schedule your free 90 minute consultation.
Addie Kelzer is a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. She believes that by making fitness and good food practical, her clients will hold the power to positively change their health and the health of those closest to them.
