After spending all day hunched over a desk, computer or steering wheel, the body longs for a deep stretch of the front body. Lengthening the front of the body stretches all the major muscles of the chest, shoulders and abdominals. Unfortunately, some of us have lower back issues such as herniated spinal discs that make backbending uncomfortable and sometimes inadvisable. This is where the stability ball comes in. Leaning backward over the ball naturally lengthens the front of the body while supporting its weight. The curved shape of the ball encourages a healthy, safer and great-feeling stretch. If you don't have access to a ball, try leaning back over the support of a chair.
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