Summer Stretch

Moxie cover girl, Kris Pennell shows you the right way to stretch - slow and relaxed. Breathe slowly and naturally. Don’t hold your breath. Do not bounce. This can actually cause you to pull the muscle you are trying to stretch.

You should stretch to the point of mild tension. Ease off if it’s painful. Hold the stretch for a minimum of 15 seconds each. Relax, then stretch one or two more times. Try to stretch a little further each time. Again, only to the point of mild tension.

Click the images below to enlarge and read captions.

Quad, Chest & Balance stretch: Standing, bend your right leg behind you and hold your foot in your left hand. Reach your right arm behind your back and hold your left elbow. Switch sides.
Back & Neck stretch: Seated with ankles crossed, back straight & shoulders relaxed, turn and place your left hand behind your back on the floor. Turn your head and look back towards your left fingers to add a neck stretch. Switch sides.
Hamstring/Back stretch: Seated, legs straight out in front of you, bring your right ankle on top of your left quadricep. Flex your left foot and reach forward with both hands and try to touch your toes.
Hip Flexor & Inner Thigh Stretch: Lie on your back, arms open to sides with knees bent. Place the bottom of your right foot on your left inner thigh. Gently push your left bent knee to the floor until the right knee faces upward. Turn head to opposite side. Switch sides.