This is a great exercise to lengthen the spine and hamstrings. It is important to use the breathe throughout.
Preparation: Stand on the centre of the resistance band in parallel. Grab the ends with each hand and wrap the hands to increase the tension.
Steps:
- Tuck the chin toward the chest and roll down the spine, lengthening the arms upward.
- Roll up and open the chest.
- Perform one upper body circle in each direction.
- Tuck the chin, roll down again and bend the knees. Place the hands behind the body to sit with the legs extended forward.
- Fold the body forward as the arms reach back.
- Return to sitting, bend the knees with the feet flat on the mat.
- Release some tension from the band, place the hands behind the hips and lift the pelvis, expanding through the front of the body.
- Lower the pelvis and repeat the forward reach and the lifted position.
- Lower again, sit with legs extended, and reach forward once more.
- Roll down to lie on the mat and bring the legs to 90°.
- Release one leg from the band and pull the other leg toward the body.
- Switch legs and repeat.
- Place both legs back into the band and lower them to finish.
Focus:
keep the hips over the legs and try not to hinge back as you roll forward.