Standing spinal twist with overhead reach

This stretch gets circulation back into your spine, especially if you’ve been inactive for a while. It’s the perfect stretch to get you moving again.
To do this stretch, follow these steps:

1. Stand tall with your feet apart, your abs and chest lifted, your shoulders back and down, and your arms to your sides. Keep your feet wide and your knees bent. This position keeps your center of gravity low and makes it easier to keep your upper body relaxed.
2. Inhale and as you exhale, bend your knees and pivot on your left big toe, turning your hips and shoulders to the right as you reach your left arm overhead.
3. Repeat on the left side.
4. Repeat the stretch for 16 to 20 repetitions, keeping your movement controlled and relaxed.

A few do’s and don’ts for this stretch:

• Do keep your knees bent at all times.
• Do keep your abdominals lifted.
• Do turn your hips all the way to the side.
• Don’t force or jerk the movement — it should flow from side to side.
• Don’t lock your knees.