DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. IF YOU ANY TYPE OF BACK PAIN PLEASE CONSULT A DOCTOR BEFORE ATTEMPTING THE FOLLOWING MOVES.
If there was a part of your body that takes a lot of heat while literally supporting us 24/7 — it is the spine.
Marry in slouching and your increase for pain and injury shoot up. So what do you do now? Stretch!
“Regularly stretching your spine can decrease your risk of injuries, improve range of motion, and enable your muscles to work more effectively,” says yoga instructor and co-founder of Yomassage, Katherine Parker. “It can also help prevent joint stiffness.”
To make sure you are stretching your spine both safely and effectively, Parker and yoga teacher, Stacy Dockins advises one to use start with relatively easy back stretches.
So without further ado, here are the best stretches for your hardworking spine.
Locust pose
“Locust pose is a backward bend that requires an active range of motion. It will strengthen the backside of the body while encouraging the release of the anterior shoulders, chest, and hip flexors,” states Dockins.
Supported child’s pose
“Supported Child’s Pose provides a gentle stretch to the lower back, hips, thighs and ankles, and lengthens the lower back and improves circulation to the spinal joints,” shares Parker.
Bridge pose
“Bridge pose is a backward bend that will counter modern postural tendencies. It will encourage the release of the chest, anterior shoulders, and hip flexors while strengthening the backside of the body,” reveals Dockins.
Supported Twist
“Practicing supported twist might help keep the spinal muscles mobile and provide relief from back pain,” shares Parker.
Get to stretching folks! Your spine will thank you.