Exercises of the Week - Chest Stretch and Whole Body Stretch
If that sounds like you, I have a challenge for you. For your next workout, add five minutes at the end and enjoy the exercises I'm highlighting today, the chest stretch and the whole body stretch.
By using an exercise ball, you can give your body full support while stretching the entire front part of the body, from head to toe. Take a moment to enjoy how these exercises feel and make a gentle transition to the rest of your day.
Chest Stretch
Do it right: Lie face up on the ball and roll down until your back is fully supported. Relax your hips and head and let your arms fall out to the sides for a relaxing chest stretch. Hold for 3-5 breaths.
Whole Body Stretch
Do it right: Lie face up on the ball and roll down until you back is fully supported. Straighten the legs and stretch back over the ball, draping your body over it and letting your arms hang towards the floor. Skip this move if having your head upside down makes you dizzy. Hold for 3-5 breaths.
Do you have a favorite stretch? Leave a comment and tell us about it.
Comments
I always heard it is best to stretch before exercising as a warm-up, verses after. I guess doing both is even better. As you mentioned..most of us are time crunched and lucky to get in any exercise for a certain amount of time.
Yes, I heard the same thing. You usually want to stretch before working out, but only do a light stretch. You may also want to try using an exercise vest. I got mine from http://www.hyperwear.com but there are other good companies that sell them. I think they are very effective for weight loss. Ashley
I purchased an inversion table and never felt so good. I thinked I gained 2 inches and no more chiropractor
Stretching your muscles before working out can lead to injury. I prefer warming up by walking or lightly moving my body and then stretching well after. My favorite stretches are yoga poses such as cat/cow and the dancer–anything that really stretches out my core.
anne
Stretching is important and it feels really good! I tried the same strech on my exercise ball and it really makes a difference to do a whole body stretch. Thanks
Good article and comments. Thanks.
Yes, the world of stretching, it’s confusing. Some experts say you should stretch beforehand, others say it is counterproductive to your workout. I am a runner, and find that a ‘dynamic’ or moving warmup is preferable. So I would spend a few minutes doing elbow / arm circles for upper and some ankle circles, and knee and hip swings for my lower body, 5 minutes of a good strided walk to mentally awaken me, then break into my jog. Hope this helps.
Amanda PT