NOVEMBER IMPROVE SHOULDER & UPPER BODY FLEXIBILITY

1. Be sure your muscles are warm before starting. After a hot bath or after dance class is a great time to stretch

2. Begin by placing hands shoulder width apart the floor behind you. Scoot body forward until a stretch is felt in the shoulders (1). Bend the elbows slightly so that you don’t hyperextend the elbows (2). Hold for 45 seconds

3. Place hands on the floor, and press back, keeping the elbows straight until a stretch if felt in the shoulders (3). Be sure not to use an arch in the back to achieve the position. Hold for 45 seconds

4. Have a partner assist by lifting the hands, keeping elbows straight until a stretch is felt in the shoulders (4). Hold for 45 seconds

5. Try to keep all muscles as relaxed as possible, and breathe. These stretches shouldn’t hurt, but it’s OK to feel ‘uncomfortable’

6. Repeat all 3 stretches, holding each for 45 seconds