Lateral Flexion or Side Stretch
In Lateral Flexion we engage our core as we gently reach and stretch. Lateral flexion stretches from our hips through our waist, side, shoulder and arms and creates lateral (side to side) flexibility of our spine. As we inhale we reach and stretch. As we exhale we maintain the stretch and relax. On the next inhale, we stretch. On the exhale, we relax. After 3 breaths, we slowly return to center, walking our lower hand up our leg for support.
Stand straight and tall, feet hip width distance apart.
Feel the crown of our head reaching toward the sky.
Our shoulders are back and down away from our ears.
Our pelvis tilts forward as our core pulls our belly button to our spine.
Our arms are at our sides, finger tips reaching toward the floor.
As we inhale deeply, we raise our right arm, reaching toward the sky with our extended finger tips.
As we exhale, we maintain the stretch, and rest.
On the next inhale, we reach and gently extend our fingertips up and over slightly to the left.
On the exhale we take what additional stretch our body gives us.
Inhale, stretch. Exhale, relax. Inhale stretch/exhale relax for three breaths.
As we move back to center, let’s slowly walk our left hand up our leg as we engage our core to return to center.
Repeat on the left side, raising our left fingertips to the sky on the inhale and slowly exhale for three breaths.