Unwind with a stretch

Relieve upper body tension and stretch the backs of your legs with this dual flexibility move. Remember to think of your torso as one unit, hinging forward at your hips and aiming the top of your head toward the floor, not your knees. This will allow your back to stay in correct alignment.

1 Stand with your feet approximately 5 feet apart. Point your toes forward with your feet parallel to each other. Reach your hands behind you and, if you cannot easily interlace your fingers, hold a belt in your hands. Keep your chest broad as you exhale and bend at your hips, bringing your torso as far forward as possible.

2 If you can, comfortably interlace your hands behind you, keeping your back elongated and your chest broad as you bend forward from your hips. Lift your hands away from your buttocks, bringing your arms as far overhead as possible. Hold for 15-20 seconds. Inhale and come to a standing position. Release your arms.

*

-- Karen Voight