Gentle Stretch
The following workout involves exercises based on Yoga and Pilates. The
exercises are designed to help you relax and stretch your body. Throughout
the exercises, focus on your breathing (following the breathing patterns taught
in the first exercise) and finding a comfortable place in each pose. Modify the
exercises according to your fitness level and flexibility and please visit your
doctor before you begin any type of exercise program.
The following workout involves exercises based on Yoga and Pilates. The
exercises are designed to help you relax and stretch your body. Throughout
the exercises, focus on your breathing (following the breathing patterns taught
in the first exercise) and finding a comfortable place in each pose. Modify the
exercises according to your fitness level and flexibility and please visit your
doctor before you begin any type of exercise program.
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Supine Breathing
Lie on the floor with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Place one hand on your lower belly and inhale, concentrating on
expanding through the ribcage and feeling your fingers separate.
Exhale and press the bellybutton towards the spine and 'closing' the
ribs. Keep the breath flowing and relax the tension in your
shoulders and face. Repeat for 4-6 breaths.
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Cat Stretch
Kneel on all fours, knees under hips and hands under
shoulders. Spread the fingers out on the floor with palms flat and
contract the abs to bring the head, neck and back in alignment. Inhale and tip the sitz bones towards the ceiling while drawing the
shoulders back and down away from your ears; look up. Exhale and
tuck the chin while pulling your belly towards your spine. Round
the back and feel a stretch down your spine. Repeat for 4 to 6
breaths, moving smoothly between each move.
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Child's Pose
From the Cat Stretch, sit back on your heels and bring your arms down
along your body, palms facing up. Relax and breath for as long as
you like
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Side Stretch
While in Child's Pose, place your right hand next to the chest, elbow
bent and stretch your left arm up over your head, palm resting on the
floor, keeping your hips straight. Turn your head and look under
your arm, feeling a stretch down the left side of your back. Hold
for 3 or more breaths and switch sides.
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Gentle Sun Salutations
Stand up with toes together, heels apart. Inhale and sweep the arms up overhead. Exhale and fall forward,
(bend knees if you need to). Place the hands on the floor, your ankles or
shins. Inhale and look up, pulling your back up until it's flat. Exhale and fall forward. Inhale and sweep the arms up as you come back to standing position. Exhale and take the arms down. Repeat this series 4 times.
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Bridge
Lie on the floor with knees bent, heels close to the hips.
Exhale and press feet into the floor as you lift hips up until thighs are parallel to the floor.
Relax the glutes, feeling your quads activate to hold
you in place. Hold for 3 or more breaths and slowly roll back down onto
the mat. Pull the knees into the chest to stretch the back
and relax.
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Back Stretch
Lie on your side with knees bent and hips, knees and ankles stacked. Stretch the bottom arm straight out and rest top arm on top, palms together. Keeping
your hips stacked and abs engaged, draw the top arm across your body
(fingertips trailing the body) and out to the other side. Feel a gentle stretch in your back.
Draw the arm
back in, stretching over the bottom arm and repeat 3 times before
switching sides.
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Corpse Pose
Lie on your back with legs and arms out from the body. Let your
feet flop out and relax your fingers. Close your eyes and relax
the muscles round each eye as you breath deeply. Starting at your
feet, consciously relax each part of your body, letting all your tension
go as you breath. Stay here for 5 or more minutes.
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Do this workout as
often as you like
Form Pointers:
Keep body
stabilized throughout the movement
Don't swing or use momentum
Make sure abs are
pulled in tight throughout each movement
Go
at your own pace. The moves should feel good. If you feel pain,
back off for a moment.
BREATHE!
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