Movement · Gentle Movement
Mermaid
Cool-Down · Move 6 of 8
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.
6 sets
Breath — Inhale to reach the arm up · Exhale to bend to the side
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? →