Segment 1 of 4: Spine Tuning Warm Up

This Warm Up consists of 4 exercises: Inner Winner, Tilting Star, Twirling Star, and Twisting Star.

Straighten up. Stand tall with a confident “inner winner” posture (ears/shoulders/hips/ knees/ankles in an approximately straight line). Pull your belly button in toward your spine.

In inner winner posture, with your arms out to the sides and feet spread in the star position, pull your belly button in toward your spine. Facing forward, place one hand in the air with the other at your side. Breathe in as you slowly stretch one arm overhead, while slowly bending your entire spine to the opposite side and sliding the other hand down your thigh for stability. Relax at the end of the stretch, breathing out and in again and then switch to the other side. Perform the movement twice to each side. Easy does it. Enjoy the stretch.

Remain in the star position with belly button drawn inward. Gently turn your head to look at one hand and slowly twist your entire spine to watch your hand as it goes behind you. Relaxing in this position breathe out and in. Repeat movement to the opposite side. Perform the movement slowly twice to each side. Enjoy the slow gentle stretch.

Begin in the star position with your head held high and your belly button drawn in toward your spine.	After raising your arms in “hands up” position, bring your left elbow across your torso toward your right knee. Repeat the movement using your right elbow and left knee.	Remain upright as you continue to alternate sides for 15 seconds. Breathe freely. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: Consult a medical professional to diagnose and treat back problems

Please note that the content in “Straighten Up America/World” has not been peer-reviewed by Spine-health.com medical advisors. This section is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical help or advice.

Spine-health.com does not offer medical advice or treatment. This information does not replace the physician-patient relationship, and the information is not medical advice or treatment. Patients should always seek the advice of a trained health professional for back pain or any health condition. Please note that the contents of this section have not been peer reviewed by Spine-health.com’s Medical Advisory Board.

Copyright 2006 Straighten Up America. Permission to duplicate granted.