Movement · Gentle Movement

Mermaid

Cool-Down · Move 6 of 8 · hold each side
Mermaid
Why this one

A long, gentle side stretch opens the waist and ribs and lets the breath move into the sides of the body — soothing on a tight day.

How to do it

Sit with both legs folded to one side. Plant one hand on the floor and reach the other arm up and over your head into a long, easy side bend. Return, and repeat to the other side.

Keep in mind

Reach up and out, not down — keep both sitting bones heavy and just breathe.

Every move: lightly lift your pelvic floor — a gentle lift, never a clench — and breathe slow and full (hold the stretches for about 5 easy breaths, at least 30 seconds). New to the lift? →