Straighten Up Spinal Health Exercises
Straighten Up is an enjoyable 3-minute spinal health program designed to help you feel and look your best.
Basic Rules
- Think positively.
- Straighten Up. Stand tall with confident "inner winner" posture (ears, shoulders, hips, knees, & ankles should be in a straight line).
- Breathe calmly, deeply & slowly from your stomach region.
- Move smoothly. Do not jerk or bounce.
Notice: Check with your chiropractor or other healthcare practitioner before starting "Straighten Up" to make sure the exercises are appropriate for your specific needs.
A. Star Series Warm Up
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-Straighten up. Stand tall in the "inner winner" posture. Ears, shoulders, hips, knees, & ankles should be in a straight line.
-From the inner winner posture, spread your arms and legs into the Star (2a).
-In the Star position with belly button drawn inward, gently turn your head to look at one hand. Slowly twist your entire spine to watch your hand as it goes behind you. Relaxing in this position breathe out and in.
-(4a) From the Star position, raise your arms in "hands up" position. (4b) Bring your left elbow across your torso toward your right knee. Repeat the movement using your right elbow and left knee. |
B. Flying Friends PosturePod
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-Breathe deeply & calmly relaxing your stomach region. (5a) Let your head hang loosely forward & gently roll from one side to the other.
-In inner winner posture, bring your arms out to the sides and gently draw your shoulder blades together. (6a) Breathe in as you slowly raise your arms, touching your hands together above your head. (6b) Slowly lower your arms to your sides as you breathe out. Perform 3 times.
-(7a) Next, make small backward circles with your hands and arms drawing your shoulder blades together. (7b) Sway gently from side to side in the "Hummingbird". Enjoy for 10 seconds.
-Place your hands behind your head and gently draw your elbows backward. Slowly and gently press your head backwards and resist with your hands for a count of two and release. Breathe freely. Perform 3 times. |
C. Core Balance & Wrap Up
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-Stand in the inner winner position with your belly button drawn in.
-Standing tall in inner winner posture with your feet wider than shoulders, gently rotate your trunk from side to side. Easy does it.
-Stand in the star position, keeping your stance wide with your belly button in.
-Shake limbs loosely for 15 seconds. |
*** If you experience recurring or sharp pain at any time, STOP & report to your doctor. You may need to modify the exercises.
Practice Straighten Up daily as an important feature of an active healthy lifestyle.
Artistic Design by Nimo Sheikhzadeh @ Life University













