Winding Down-The Right Way

Author: Shannon Miller

How do you wind down after a long day?

A glass of wine?  Watching “Dancing With the Stars?”  Take a long bubble bath?  All of these are great options, but there’s a really important one to add to your list…stretching! After sitting all day – in an office chair, in the car, and on a bleacher watching your kids soccer game – stretching is a great treat for your muscles; they are sure to love you for giving them some TLC after a long day!  (Perhaps stretching while watching “Dancing With the Stars” is an even better idea!)

Check out some good “winding down” stretches below:

Standing Full Body Stretch

1. Stand with your feet hip width apart.
2. Raise your hands above your head and reach for the sky.
3. Pull up throughout your entire body.
4. Hold 15-30 seconds.

Hamstring Stretch

1. Lie flat on your back.
2. Grab the back of your left thigh with both hands, with left foot flexed.
3. Keep your leg bent to start bringing it to a 90 degree angle with the floor.
4. Once you are in position, slowly straighten your knee to feel the stretch.
5. Hold 15-30 seconds.  Repeat on opposite side.

Ultimate Torso Twist

1. Lie on your back with arms out horizontal.
2. Bend your right knee to a 90 degree angle.
3. Place right knee on left side of body.
4. Hold 15-30 seconds on each side.  Repeat on opposite side.

TIP:  For some more stretching ideas, check out “Shannon Miller  Stretching To-Go!”