One move to stretch the front and back

To stretch out the front of your body, try this move on a large stability ball. It is ideal after strength-building exercises for your chest and shoulders, or as a way to stretch out and lengthen your spine after long periods of sitting.

1 To begin, sit upright on a large stability ball. Slowly walk your feet away from the ball and lie back to position yourself atop the ball. Balance your middle back on top of the ball and extend your legs in front of you.

2 Once you find your balance, reach your arms overhead and elongate the front of your body. Inhale deeply and, on each exhale, focus on feeling your ribs stretch away from your hips. You should feel a gentle stretch across the front your chest. Relax and hold this position for 30 seconds or longer. To come out of the stretch, bend your knees, walk your feet in toward the ball. Curl your torso forward to return to the seated position.

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Karen Voight can be reached at kvoightla@aol.com.