STRETCH OF THE MONTH

OCTOBER IMPROVE YOUR STRADDLE

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 sitting in a wide straddle with both sit bones on the floor, and body up straight. If this is difficult, use a block (or phone book) to aid in finding the right position (1). If this is easy for you, use a chair to create height (3).

3. Lean straight to the side, reaching up and over, and not allowing the back to hunch

4. Try to keep all muscles as relaxed as possible, and breathe. The stretch shouldn’t hurt, but it’s OK to feel ‘uncomfortable’

5. Hold for 45 seconds, relax slightly, then press back into the stretch, pushing a little farther, and hold for 45 seconds

6. Repeat on the other side