Workout Wednesday: Simple Spine Stretch

Physical activity is just as important for us, as it is for our little ones. So, instead of going straight to TV-time after school, try getting the family moving! Today's Workout Wednesday is a simple stretch your kids can do, too. 

Benefits: Create fun bond and healthy habits with your kids while exercising. This stretch will help open your upper back, and stretch your spine, neck, and hamstrings.

Step 1:

Start sitting on the floor with your legs straight and your back nice and tall. Activate your legs and glutes. Have your little one sit next to you, between your legs or in your lap.

Step 2:

Exhale and reach your arms up towards the celling, then round your spine forward reaching your arms toward your toes. Hollow your stomach and use your abdominal muscles to lift and stretch your spine while rounding forward. Reach your tailbone forward as well, to create spine stretch in both directions. If your little one is in your lap or sitting on the floor between your legs, round up and over their body while she is bending forward to reach her toes and doing her spine stretch. If your little one is next to you, just have them copy you!

Step 3:

Inhale as you roll back up starting with your sacrum, low back, mid back, upper back, than finally neck and head. You should feel much taller! Have your little one follow you. Repeat steps 1 and 2, four to six times.  

Honest Tip: This is active stretch —  don’t just bend forward, reach and stretch your spine. Guide your little one and help them feel the stretch. Have fun!

~Leila, FitPilates

Leila Cunningham is a Certified Pilates Instructor based in Los Angeles, California. When she isn’t sharing her knowledge and passion for Pilates at her studio, she’s spending time with her husband and two beautiful daughters. For more fitness tips and easy exercises, check out her YouTube channel.

This post is solely for informational purposes. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for health advice. Before undertaking any course of exercise, you should seek the advice of your physician or other health care provider.