Low Back – The Lazy Banana Stretch

This is an effective way to stretch and lengthen both sides of your body. Why ‘lazy’? You don’t even need to get out of bed to do this stretch; incorporate it in your morning routine before your toes even hit the floor.

Start in a laying down position with your body relaxed and flat on your bed (or on a mat) and your arms at your sides. Scoot your hips over to one side. Next, stretch your arms and legs long, and slowly walk them in the opposite direction of the hips. This will make a crescent (or banana) shape. You should feel a satisfying stretch along the lengthened side of your body. Make sure it’s pain free (for a less intense stretch, don’t walk out the limbs as much).

Hold for 5-10 breaths. From here, return to the neutral starting position, and repeat on the other side. This stretch can be done daily.