Back stretch on stability ball comes with an added bonus: It feels good

There is nothing better than finding exercises that not only make you look better but also feel good while you’re doing them. This is one of those moves. You can do it throughout the day whenever you need a break from prolonged sitting or in the morning to loosen up your back and jump-start your day. You can also do it at the end of your workouts to stretch any tight muscles in the front of your body. This move feels great anytime you can fit it in.

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1 Start by sitting on top of a large stability ball, feet shoulder-width apart with your shins in a vertical position. Place your hands behind your head with your elbows facing forward. Inhale and sit tall.

2 On an exhale, walk forward and lie back, positioning your body over the ball. When you feel stable, let the back of your head rest against the ball and slowly open your elbows. Stay in this position and take six to eight slow, full breaths.

To come out of this position, inhale -- pointing your elbows up toward the ceiling. Now, exhale and bring your chin toward your chest, then roll up, pressing your navel toward the spine. Sit tall and relax a few moments.

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

-- Karen Voight