Twisting and Stretching Your Way to Relief
Twisting is an excellent way to release toxins and open up the body. We carry so much tightness in our hips, neck, and back just from performing activities of daily living. Driving, standing, working at a desk, even exercising. As we get older, we tend to get even tighter. These two stretches are so good for opening up your body and really stretching your hips, back, and neck. Plus, as you twist, you compress the organs, releasing loads of toxins. Give them a try and let me know what you think.
Thread The Needle Lower Body
This is an excellent way to open up your outer hip, a little of your inner thigh and if you straighten your leg you get a hamstring stretch as well.
Cues:
- Lie on your back with knees bent. Place your right heel on your left upper thigh, figure 1.
- For a deeper stretch, lift your left foot off the floor and clasp your hands behind your left thigh. You can go even deeper by straightening your left leg to get a hamstring stretch.
- Hold this pose for 5 – 10 seconds.
- Switch sides.
Pre-exercise Variables:
5 seconds contract/ 5 seconds relax or hold for 5-10 seconds.
Post-exercise Variables:
Hold for 30-60 seconds.
Thread the Needle Upper Body
This is such a great way to ring out toxins in the organs and open your back, neck, and shoulders.
Cues:
- Kneel on the floor. Touch your big toes together and sit on your heels.
- Reach your left arm under your body and look under your arm, with your left ear on the floor.
- Place your right palm on the floor, with finger tips facing you and press into the floor to open your upper back as in figure 2.
- Hold 5-10 seconds.
- Switch sides.
Pre-exercise Variables:
Hold for 5-10 seconds.
Post-exercise Variables:
Hold for 30-60 seconds.
Click Here For My YouTube Video on How To Perform Both Stretches