Lateral Bend with the Flexistretcher

Try this upper body stretch with the Flexistretcher to gain mobility before barre, rehearsal, or performance. 

SETUP:   Sitting cross-legged, hold the Flexistretcher in front of you rbody in both hands a little wider than shoulder-width apart.  Pull the band to a tension, and slowly raise your arms up overhead and slightly your head.

ACTION:

• With the strap overhead, slowly bend sideways at the waist, making sure that the top arm does not collapse toward your head, keeping the shoulders drawn down your back.  
• Actively pull down the bottom arm, feeling a stretch throughout the side of your torso.  Make sure to ground the sit bones as you bend sideways.  
• Repeat on the other side.

CUES

• Keep gaze outward and lift chin from chest.  
• Keep shoulders drawn down your back for the entire exercise.  
• Keep hip firmly planted.

VARIATION: Try this exercises standing with feet hip width apart.