Quick Tip for Aching Neck and Back

I am sure it's my age, five kids, bad pillow, whatever...but my neck and shoulders are killin' me! I recently found a new stretch in my pilates class that I do throughout the day that helps me.

The first is a classic, front fold which is bend over and touch your toes. The second one, I never knew existed in 38 years is called Rag Doll stretch.

1) Stand with your feet about hip-width apart and feet parallel.

2) Bend your knees slightly and slowly fold forward from your hips as far as you can comfortably go.

3) Now stay bent over and pick up your hands and grab your elbows. Allow the combined weight of your upper body, head and elbows to stretch your spine toward the floor. Switching hands makes a difference too.

4) Stay bent in Rag Doll and breathe deeply in and out.

5) To come out of the rag doll stretch, bend your knees, put your hands on your thighs to add support when you lift your upper body.

Seriously isn't that an amazing feeling between the shoulder blades? Wowzer of a tip in my aching body's opinion! I tested this out on my kids and they loved it. My husband begrudging tried it and said he felt nothing. Is it a girl thing? Make your husband do it, maybe certain bodies are different?

Nice ethereal photos following...haha.