Last week's stretch was the scorpion (yes I am behind on my blogging, the amazing springtime weather here in NY is to blame!!). Some of you may be familar with the scorpion pose in yoga, which is not be be confused with our stretch. The POSE is done standing, and requires an above average level of flexibility. Below is a demo, you'll notice it's not me, haha, my lower back is not there yet!!

This is one of those stretches that actually has an appropriate name. Let's start with a visual, here is the END of the stretch:

*Quick note before we move forward. Some of the response to the last stretch (the pidgeon) was that "I'm not flexible enough". Imagine you've never run before and you decide you would like to be able to run 5 miles. I guarantee you won't throw on the old sneaks and bound out the door. Your body is a machine but it learns fast, you just have to give it a chance. So when working into these stretches, realize that just the effort to get into the most uncomfortable and awkward ATTEMPT at the pose is a start!!! The more you try, the deeper you begin to find yourself sliding into the pose. Your body begins to learn it. It knows which muscles to engage and relax, then begins to find a familiarity and comfort in the stretch.

Sometimes understanding the why of something helps you to find the how...

Moving on to the scorpion. Here's more "why":

The scorpion is an excellent all-over body stretch. It will help you to discover length in your sides, lower back and legs. To begin lie face down on the ground with arms extended out to the sides, palms facing down, so your body forms a ‘T’ shape.

Maintaining this facedown position and keeping your shoulders flat on the ground, bend your left knee and bring the heel towards the butt, while also lifting the left thigh off the floor. Be sure the right leg is active as well, keeping the leg locked straight and the right hip to the floor.

For the end of the stretch, swing your left heel across your body towards the floor, at the same time lifting your foot towards that right hand. Allow gravity to bring the leg down, reserving your effort to relax. Remember to keep your palms pressing down into the floor which will help to keep the shoulders grounded. This rewards you with a stretch in the T-spine.

Ok, everyone on the floor. There are still more stretches to go. Remember to hold each side for at least 30 seconds, although holding it longer will get you there faster!!!