Most office work requires long hours of sitting. In this series, the seated half moon stretch gives a lateral stretch to the torso and keeps the spine flexible and healthy. Stretching the intercostal muscles (those in between the ribs) facilitates deep breathing. The seated spinal twist gives a therapeutic massage to nerves branching off the spinal column. The muscles of the lower back are also stretched during the twisting movement. This series is designed to help prevent lower back pain.
Seated half moon
Repeat eight to 10 times
Starting position
Sit with feet about shoulder width apart. Put one hand on the knee for support. Inhale and raise one arm up over the head.
1 Exhale and slowly bend your body to one side to form a graceful half moon arch.