Stretch of the Week: Half Cow Face Arms
The second week of July brings us to a stretch that we call in yoga, Half Cow Face Arms. We are still focusing on the subclavius muscle that we discussed in detail last week, but you may also feel this in the upper chest and biceps muscles if you are tight there as well.
Stretch of the Week: Seated Clavicle Stretch
Our focus for the month of July will be the subclavius muscle
This triangular muscle is attached to the first rib and clavicle (collarbone). It lies directly below the collarbone and draws it forward and downward, providing stability during shoulder and arm movements.
Stretch of the Week: Chair Lunge
The final week of June is upon us. Let’s end it with a great stretch called the Chair Lunge!
This stretch will work on the hip flexor muscle group that can shorten from sitting too much.
You will need a chair for this stretch, preferably one without wheels. If your chair has wheels, make sure they are locked in place.
Stretch of the Week: Seated Piriformis Stretch
Happy summer! It’s the third week of June and we are continuing our theme of chair stretches.
I hope you have been allowing yourself some time each day to take a break from sitting and stretch!
This week we will learn a seated piriformis stretch. This will target not only the piriformis, but also the gluteal and outer hip muscles, which can become tight when we sit for long periods of time. You will need a chair for this stretch, preferably one without wheels. If your chair has wheels, make sure they are locked in place.
Stretch of the Week: Chair Forward Fold
Week 2 of June brings us to the Chair Forward Fold
Those of you who sit for long periods of time can end up with a tight lower back, hip, and thigh muscles. This week’s stretch will target all those areas!
If you have a history of low back conditions such as pain, bulging/herniated discs, hip problems or hamstring strains or tears, this may not be the right exercise for you. As with beginning any exercise program, it is recommended to consult with your physician, physical or occupational therapist to determine which exercises are best for you.
You will need a chair, preferably one without wheels. If your chair has wheels, make sure they are locked in place.
Stretch of the Week: Chair Chest Stretch
For the month of June we are exploring chair stretches for the weekly stretch!
This month is dedicated to all the sitting a majority of us do on a daily basis. These stretches will focus on opening up the chest, hips, low back, and hamstrings; areas where we all need a little more flexibility.
Stretch of the Week: Reclined Cobblers Stretch
Our 5th and final restorative stretch is called Reclined Cobblers Stretch.
It is one of my absolute favorites, and feels so relaxing and wonderful. I hope you give it a try! You will need a bolster and a folded blanket to perform this stretch.
Stretch of the Week: Supported Prone Twist
Week 4 of our restorative stretch journey takes us to the Supported Prone Twist.
You will need a bolster or several folded blankets for this stretch.
If you have a history of knee pain or injuries, conditions hindering you from twisting, or if you have trouble getting up and down from the floor, please do not perform this stretch. As with beginning any exercise program, it is recommended to consult with your physician, physical or occupational therapist to determine which exercises are best for you.
