Good morning, 

Tip of the day......5 simple stretches to try at home
 
Many of us spend long hours sitting – whether it's at a desk, in the car, or relaxing at home. Over time, this can lead to poor posture and those nagging aches in the back and shoulders. The good news: a few simple stretches done regularly can make a real difference!

5 Simple stretches to try at home 

• Chest Opener – Stand tall and clasp your hands behind your back. Gently pull your shoulders back and down, opening up the chest. Hold for 20 seconds and breathe deeply.
• Cat-Cow Stretch – On all fours, alternate arching your back (cat) and dipping your belly down (cow). This helps to mobilise the spine and relieve tension.
• Seated Spinal Twist – Sit on a chair, cross one leg over the other, and gently twist your upper body towards the crossed leg. Hold for 15-20 seconds, then switch sides.
• Child’s Pose – Kneel on the floor, sit back on your heels, and stretch your arms out in front. This is a gentle way to lengthen the spine and relax the lower back.
• Neck Stretch – Sit or stand tall, drop your right ear towards your right shoulder, and hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat on the other side. This helps ease tension in the neck and upper back.

Try adding these stretches into your morning routine or as a break during the day. Your back and posture will thank you! If you want more support, my Pilates Over 50’s class is designed to help with flexibility, strength, and posture – it’s never too late to start feeling better in your body.