Exercise 29

The Slow Roll Down

Fold forward one vertebra at a time and hang. The back of the body finally gets to lengthen.

How to do it

  1. 1

    Stand with feet hip width apart and knees slightly bent.

  2. 2

    Drop the chin, then let the weight of the head pull you forward, one segment of spine at a time.

  3. 3

    Hang at the bottom with arms heavy. Nod the head yes and no a few times.

  4. 4

    Take five slow breaths there. Let the ribs move into the back.

  5. 5

    Roll back up from the bottom, stacking one vertebra at a time. Head comes up last.

Use it when
End of the working day, before bed, or after sitting for longer than an hour.
Watch for
Coming up with a flat back and the head leading. That loads the lower back. Round the whole way and let the head be last.