ADDENDUM

TO

MAF FITNESS NEWSLETTER

(Stretching)

DECEMBER 1996



The order of stretches shown does not imply an execution order; nor is it expected that all will be done in each session, although there is no prohibition against it. It is recommended; however, that the full body stretch be done to lead off your stretching session.

Full Body Stretch - From this fully laid out position, reach in one direction, while simultaneously trying to push your feet in the opposite direction.

Neck

Full Body Stretch - From this fully laid out position, reach in one direction, while simultaneously trying to push your feet in the opposite direction. [961218.gif]
Head Turn - Slowly turn your head from one side to the other. [961219.gif]
Head Tilt - Tilt your head from side to side, slowly, as shown. [961220.gif]

Shoulders

Across Stretch - This is particularly good for the back of the shoulder [961221.gif]
Upward Reach - This is a good overall shoulder stretch that I like to do by reaching up with one arm, and simultaneously reaching down with the other one. And, of course, switching up/down arms. [961222.gif]

Shoulder/Biceps

Wall Stretch - An alternative form of this stretch that I like is to hold onto something, and do the stretch as shown, but with one slight change, and that is to lean back. I feel a better stretch that way. [961223.gif]

Triceps

Triceps Stretch - This is the best, and only, triceps stretch that I know, so its name will be kept very simple. Do it as shown, and you can't go wrong. Well, you probably can, but you won't. [961224.gif]

Forearms, Wrists, Fingers

Steeple stretch - This was previously shown as a strengthening exercise, but it is appropriate as either stretching or strengthening. [961225.gif]
Hands In/Out - Perform this as shown, or double your pleasure and flex and extend your fingers as you move your hands (i.e., open and close your hands as you flex and extend your wrists). [961226.gif]

Chest

Chest Stretcher - For this stretch, interlock your fingers behind your back, and, with arms straight, lift them. [961227.gif]
Hands Behind the Head Chest Stretch - In the position shown, move you elbows backward, and feel those pecs stretch. [961228.gif]

Abdominals

Abdominal Stretch - This is taken care of by the very first stretch shown in this Addendum.


Back, Buns, and Hamstrings

Chair Stretch - If I designed this stretch, I would depict it with a flat back, and a reach toward the floor, but not necessarily ending by grabbing ahold of the feet. But you do get a better back stretch by doing it as shown. [961229.gif]
Leg Hug - The closer you can pull your knees to your chest, the fuller your stretch will be. And be sure to put your hands behind your knees, as shown. [961230.gif]

Hips

Modified Straddle Stretch - A ballerina would do this inner thigh stretch with straight legs (back of knees touching the floor), but for those of us with imperfect flexibility, keep the knees bent, as illustrated. [961231.gif]
Outer Thigh Stretch - If you assume this position, and additionally rotate your upper body in the direction of your "up" knee, you will get a stretch of your lower back, as well as of the hip/thigh. Put your elbow against the inside of your "up" knee to help improve your stretch. [961232.gif]

Calf, Achilles, Ankle

Wall Lean Stretch - Keep your heel firmly on the floor. [961233.gif]
Alternatively, this stretch can be performed by stepping forward, with one foot, toward the wall; and bend the knee of the forward leg, while still keeping the rearmost foot flat on the floor.
Ankle Flexion/Extension - Point your toes (plantarflexion), then pull them back toward your shins (dorsiflexion). To get the maximum benefit from this stretch, invert and evert your feet (i.e., move the inner edge of your foot up, then move the outer edge up. And, finally, rotate your ankles (both directions). [961234.gif]
* * * * *