Yoga Stretches: Kathy Smith

Aired on Lifetime Television
May 11 and June 22, 2008
Show 512

I've been doing yoga for more than 25 years and when I spend an hour in a yoga class, I melt into a kind of contemplative state and emerge wonderfully relaxed and refreshed. Any kind of regular stretching will help lengthen your muscles and increase flexibility while releasing areas of tension and tightness and improve your posture. Here are two simple stretches you can do anytime. Have a seat at the edge of a chair and do a spinal twist: cross your arm over to the opposite knee, place your hand in back of you and look over your shoulder. As you inhale and exhale, give it a little bit more rotation and you'll feel the stretch through your lower, middle and upper back. Then, straighten out one leg, support yourself on the bent leg, lean forward from the chest, flex your foot, and you'll feel a deep stretch from your hamstring all the way up to your lower back. Just hold it for a good 30-45 seconds. If you find stretching boring, try doing it to some great music or even while you watch your favorite TV show. Stick with it and I promise you'll reap the rewards of less stress and tension.