Simple Stretch

If you spend your days sitting at a desk, working on your feet, or running around accomplishing many tasks, a simple full-body stretch can help warm your joints and enliven your energy.

When you start your day, head into a float, or need a break, take two minutes for this stretch to get the blood circulating.

If it’s tricky to find the time, you can join my grandma (age 87) and me every Saturday afternoon.

Begin a loose Twist with your arms flopping along. Have a slight bend in the knees, take up space, and have a little fun with it.

Next is Star Pose, a wide X extending to the far corners of your space. Really reach your fingers and give a big smile to the sky.

Then stretch Side to Side, lengthening the space from your hip to your pit.

Next, slowly bring your energy to the Earth in a Forward Fold. With softness in the knees and holding your elbows, gently sway side to side while allowing your head to drop, generating full inhales and exhales. My grandma is working on her forward fold and is currently 7 inches from the ground.

The idea of the final step is to drop all your energy down to the Earth, rolling tension down your neck, and opening your hips. Try a sitting squat, prayer pose, child’s pose, or this Ball Pose, where you squat on the balls of your feet, plant your hands on the ground and lower your head. Take long, deep breaths, and release more tension with each exhale. In the video, I’m down here for a while until I reach a sort of inner peace.

When you’re ready, make sure to roll up slowly to avoid light-headedness and losing your balance. Now your mind, body, and spirit are ready to do a little dance. Just remember to stay hydrated and you’re on your way.

December 17, 2022