Hunching at a desk leaves your chest, arms, and shoulders tight and crunched. Heather recommended this simple chest opener to relieve that pain. It's a "baby back bend," she said, "a nice way to create spaciousness in the body."
- Stand with your feet hips-width apart.
- Raise your arms to shoulder height, then spin your hands so your thumbs face the ground.
- Exhale as your drop your arms behind your hips. Clasp your hands together or hold a yoga strap.
- Slowly lift your arms up away from your hips, keeping them behind your back. Push your chest forward and pull your shoulders down and away from your ears.
- Hold the pose for six to eight breaths.
- Stand with your feet hips-width distance apart. Interlace your hands behind your back and squeeze your shoulder blades together to stretch your chest. Keeping your legs straight, bend at the hips, tucking your chin and bringing your hands over your head.
- Hold for 20 to 30 seconds.
If you experience any pain or discomfort in your shoulders, neck, or back, ease out of the pose.
