Stretching the neck while strengthening the arms

Last week I talked about using the muscles of the back and shoulders to pull your shoulders down as a way to stretch the neck. This not only stretches the neck but helps to strengthen the muscles of your core and back. You can do this in any standing yoga pose.

Give it a try in warrior 2 but remember to look for a mild stretch feeling:

1. Start in a lunge with the left foot back.
2. Turn the left heel in and down. Reach your left arm back to lift your chest up and reach your right arm forward.
3. Bend your front right knee and keep your back leg straight.
4. Then try stretch gently through your fingers.
5. At the same time, try to pull your armpits down towards your hips without moving your arms.
6. Keep this action while lifting through your spine and try to stand taller.
7. Then relax your arms for a few breaths. Then try again to pull your armpits down and see if you notice the difference.