Torso twist gets any workout off to good start

An enjoyable way to begin each of your workouts is with this feel-good stretch. It releases tension in your chest and hips and warms up your entire spine. Remember to focus on dropping your tailbone to the ground and concentrate on full, even breathing when you are in these positions.

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1) Sit upright on a padded surface with your right leg crossed in front of your left leg. Inhale and sit as tall as possible to lengthen your spine. Without letting your hips twist, exhale and rotate your torso to the right, placing your left hand to the outside of your right thigh. Place your right hand on the floor slightly behind you for support. Keep your shoulders level and your chest lifted. Hold this stretch for 3 to 5 breaths. Change the cross of your legs and repeat on the other side.

2) After twisting to both sides, return to center. Now walk your right hand directly to the side of your body. Inhale and raise your left arm up, palm turned inward. Slowly lean to your right side without allowing your left buttock bone to lift off the floor. Pause for a moment and focus on stretching the left side of your torso between your shoulder and hip. Return to center, change the cross of your legs and repeat on the other side.

--Karen Voight

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