Yoga twist boosts back’s flexibility

Develop a supple spine and more flexibility in your back muscles by performing yoga postures such as these. First practice the easier, hand-to-floor version of the twisted crescent, then try the more advanced version. Like all twisting exercises, it’s important to spend equal time revolving in each direction to promote balance. Most of us have one side that is a little tighter than the other, so don’t get discouraged by your less-flexible side. Often, it’s the stronger side that takes a little longer to become flexible.

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1 Stand with your feet together on a yoga mat, bend your knees and place your fingertips on the floor near your feet. Inhale and lunge back with your right leg, and lower your hips to the level of your front knee. Place your right hand on the floor near the inside of your left foot. On an exhale, twist your left shoulder up to the ceiling, keeping your hips level. Straighten your rear leg with your heel pressing back.

2 Inhale and bring your palms together. While keeping your pelvis stable, exhale and twist your torso to the left, bringing your right elbow to the outside of your left knee. Press the top hand into the bottom hand to help you rotate your left shoulder up a little more. While holding this pose, take five slow, full breaths, then repeat on the other side.

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

-- Karen Voight