Stretch is all about the arch
Stretch your entire upper body with this supported back arch. You’ll need a folding chair with the back rest removed in order to fit your body through it. Many gyms and yoga studios provide them, or you can make your own.
-- Karen Voight
1 Sit backward on the chair, placing your legs through the empty backrest. Your feet should be flat on the floor at hip-width apart. Lie back, resting your hips and upper back on the seat of the chair and your hands along the frame of the back rest. Allow your head to gently fall back as you focus on deep, slow breathing. Hold this position for six complete breaths.
2 Once you feel comfortable in this stretch, reach your arms through the inside of the front legs of the chair and grasp the back legs of the chair. Straighten your legs and place the heels of your feet on the floor. Keep your knees and toes facing up to the ceiling. Focus on deep, slow breathing for three to six breaths. Release your hands, bend your knees and slowly raise your torso to come out of the stretch.
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Voight is the creator of a line of fitness DVDs, including “Sleek Essentials.”