Relaxing Stretch

The following exercises target flexibility and stability using an exercise ball
Make sure you're warm before you stretch--cold muscles are more easily injured. You can warm up with cardio or even with a hot bath
Do this workout whenever you like.
Take your time and enjoy it!
Check with your doc if you have any medical conditions.

Chest Stretch Lie face up on the ball and roll down until you 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 with Ball With legs wide, place hands on ball and roll it out, pressing your chest towards the floor to stretch the back and hamstrings. Hold for 5 breaths.
Back Stretch Stand in front of ball and place the side of the right hand on the ball (thumb pointing up). Roll the ball towards the left while keeping the hips square. Hold for 3-5 breaths and switch to the other side.
Balance with Ball Stand on left leg, right leg straight out behind you, holding the ball overhead. Slowly lower the ball towards the floor while sweeping the leg up behind you and balance, using the ball for support. Try to roll the ball out a bit to really lengthen the body from head to toe. Hold for 5 breaths and repeat on the other leg.

Modified Half Moon While still in the 'Balance with Ball' position on the right leg, rotate body to the left so that your hips now face front and sweep the left arm up directly over your shoulder. Keep the other hand on ball for balance. Hold for 5 breaths and repeat on the other side.
Lunge Stretch Place ball under you and get into a low-lunge position, one leg forward (bent to 90 degrees), back leg straight out and balancing on toe. You should be resting on the ball. Bring hands out in front of you or overhead and feel the stretch through the hips. Hold for 3-5 breaths and repeat on other leg.
Warrior on Ball While in Lunge Stretch, turn the body to the left (if your right leg is forward), turning the toes towards the front of the room and resting foot on floor. Take the right arm straight out in front at shoulder level, left arm back and gaze out over the middle finger of the front hand. Hold for 3-5 breaths and repeat on other side.
Inner Thigh Stretch Sit on ball and take the legs out wide. Place elbows on the inside of the knees and relax into the stretch, using your elbows to gentle push the knees out for a deeper stretch. Hold for 3-5 breaths.
Back Stretch This works better with a smaller ball. In standing position hug the ball to your chest and then bend forward, resting the ball on the thighs while letting your arms hang down towards the floor. Relax your body, letting your legs support you, and open up through the back. Hold for 3-5 breaths.

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Guide since 2000

Paige Waehner
Exercise Guide

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