Photo: Stretch Part A

( Charles Bush )

A. Stand in front of a chair or bench with your shoulders, hip and toes facing the chair. Inhale, shift your weight to your left leg and place your right foot flat on the seat of the chair. Make sure that your right heel is below your right knee.

On an exhalation, twist your ribcage, chest and shoulders to the right side as far as possible.

Check that your hips, knees and toes are still facing the chair. Reach your right hand out at shoulder level, pallm facing out, thumb turned up.

Place your left hand on your left outer thigh and gently press against it to increase the stretch in your spine. Gaze over your right shoulder while holding this position for 3 complete breathes. Return to the center and repeat on the other side.