Issue link: http://www.bodysensemagazinedigital.com/i/1259735
www.massagetherapy.com—your resource for all things bodywork 9 Stretch the Sides of Your Body 1. Stand with your feet hip-distance apart and feet firmly planted on the ground. 2. Gently raise both arms up toward the ceiling. 3. Reach your right hand as high as possible, as if you are trying to touch the ceiling with your right fingertips. 4. Hold for 10 seconds, then release. 5. Reach your left hand as high as possible. 6. Hold for 10 seconds, then release. 7. Repeat three times, alternating from side to side. 8. Inhale as you reach; exhale as you release. Open the Front of the Body 1. Stand with your feet hip-distance apart. Feel your feet fully planted on the ground beneath the large joint of the big toe, the pinkie toe, and the heel. 2. Interlace your fingers behind your back and straighten the arms by directing your interlaced hands toward the floor (be careful to leave a slight bend in the elbows to avoid hyperextension). Lift through the chest and gently arch your back. 3. Squeeze your shoulder blades toward each other and drop them slightly down the back. 4. Lift the chin and look up to the sky. 5. Take 3–5 deep breaths. 6. Upon release, shake out your hands and arms to increase circulation to the muscles. Extend the Forearms, Wrists, and Fingers 1. Sit or stand up straight with your shoulders down and relaxed. 2. Reach your right arm out in front of your body, parallel with the ground palm facing up. 3. Use your left hand to gently press open your fingers and palm. You will feel the stretch in your hand and forearm. 4. Hold for 10 seconds, then release. 5. Repeat three times consecutively on the right hand and then the left. STRETCH IT OUT