Jo Anne - Stretch Videos/exercises

[Guest guest]

Hi Jo Anne,

The best stretches for me for my back are:

Reclined hamstring stretch - either with or without a strap - lay on your back, one leg straight (or bent if it is more comfortable with your foot no the floor) then, stretch the other leg up - holding as straight as possible. You can wrap a strap around your foot to help with the stretch and alignment.

Reclined cobblers pose - laying on the floor, bend your knees so they fall to the side and your feet touch each other

Reclined Figure "4" stretch - cross one ankle over opposite knee, and if that doesn't feel like a sufficient strech pull the bent knee toward your chest. You can also do this sitting in a chair - just cross opposite ankle over opposite knee

Reclined twist - gently bring your right knee over your left leg - and then slowly rotate your upper body toward the right - do this very gentley!I also like to stretch my hip flexors - basically, go into a lunge and tuck your pelvis under to stretch your hip flexor

And, I like to stretch my calves - both to keep them from seizing up but I have also learned that a lot of back pain can stem from calves being too tight since it alters your walking gate!I also just generally like to lay down on my back and stretch as long as I can! I also like to hang from playground equipment.

For upper back I just try to stretch my shoulders out by clasping my hands behind my back, and I also like to stretch from side to side while reaching my hands overhead (hands clasped)

I stretch my neck by gentlely leaning it from side to side and turning my head and doing head rotations.

I really haven't found a perfect stretch routine since everyone's needs and tight spots are different. Some of the best ones I have are Debbie Siebers Slim Series Express - Cool It Off Express, Slim Series Cool it Off and the Slim in 6 Slim & Limber stretches. I also like Tony Horton's Power Half Hour Stretch and Stretch X from P90X. I also am a big fan of Classical Stretch - although that is different and is more active and rotational!Hope that helps~Donna