Exploring your body - another type of stretch

I would guess that most of you think that when you stretch that you are stretching your muscles and tendons.

The last few entries of this blog were relating to the "tennis ball trick".  The tennis ball trick works by releasing the tension in your connective tissue, your fascia. There is, however, another type of stretch which we will explore today.

Stand up.  Stretch your arms out from your sides so that your arms are shoulder height.  Your palms should be facing the floor.  (Your body should be forming a "T" shape.)   

Now bend the wrist of your hand so that the fingers are pointing up towards the ceiling.  Don't move anything else.

Do you feel a stretch through your arm?  It may feel strong through the fore arm and wrist.

Keep this position and now tilt (side-bend) your head towards your left shoulder.  Does this increase the stretch?

Keeping your head tilted towards your left shoulder, straighten your right wrist so your right palm is once again facing the floor.

Keep this position and now tilt (side-bend) your head towards your left shoulder.  Does this increase the stretch?

Keeping your head tilted towards your left shoulder, straighten your right wrist so your right palm is once again facing the floor.  How does the stretch feel now?  Has the feeling of a stretch disappeared?

Repeat the whole exercise on the left side.  Is there any difference between your left and right sides?

What has been stretched in this exercise?

Come back tomorrow to find out!