Exercises » Post Natal Fitness » Stretch Out » Exercise 1 - Chest Release
Open your heart
Aims
This wonderful stretch releases the pectoral chest muscles, which can become very tight due to heavier breasts and poor posture. Also the position adopted when carrying out daily baby activities, such as feeding, changing and carrying heavy car seats encourages our posture to hunch over. So do this stretch every day if you can.
Actions
- Stand tall with tummy pulled into spine
- Take both hands and rest them behind on your rear hips
- Breathing out take your shoulders down and away
- At the same time gently bring your elbows together and open up your chest
- Hold for 10 seconds and exhale as you release
- Repeat 3 more times
Adaptations
- This can be performed seated on a chair or fit ball
Care Points
- Try not to arch your back and stay long in your spine
- Avoid hunching up your shoulders