Body Stoop Exercise

BODY STOOP DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Begin with your feet at shoulder width and your toes pointed straight ahead. Your hands are positioned by your side.

Step 2: Pick your right foot up and step outwardly to the right. Your arms should concurrently swing to the right. Your right palm should press outwardly at forehead level and your left palm should press outwardly at arm pit level.

Step 3: You will stoop down on your right leg, thereby stretching the left leg straight. Keep both your right and left foot flat on the floor. Turn your head, waist, and hips to the left side (Figure 170).

Step 4: You will maintain this posture for a couple of seconds.

Step 5: Holding your knees, you will slowly begin to shift your weight back to center (Figure 171).

Step 6: Shift the weight to your left leg as you make a fluid motion to swing the arms to the right side. Your left palm is now pressing outwardly at forehead level and your right palm is now pressing outwardly at armpit level. (Figure 172).

Step 7: You will maintain this posture for a couple of seconds.

Step 8: You should repeat this process for two to three times on both sides of your body.

KEY POINTS:

* balance may be an issue in the beginning

* if balance is a problem, then you may want to use a chair for assistance (Figure 173)

* consistently breathe naturally, never holding your breath

* make slow fluid movements

* keep your hips relaxed and focus on stability

* as you become more proficient, you may hold the position longer and increase the number of repetitions you perform.