This is a standing stretch that stretches the obliques, lats, ribcage, shoulders and arms, and increases the mobility of the spine. It also improves breathing efficiency, making it a great pre and post surf stretch. Repeat this stretch several times on each side before you go out for a surf, as part of your dynamic
Repeat it several times on each side as part of your dynamic warm-up before you go out for a surf. When you come in, hold Standing Sidebend on each side, breathing in and out through your nose as a cool down.
Instructions
-Stand in Mountain pose, with your feet together or hip-width apart, toes pointing straight ahead.
-Inhale, sweep your arms out and up, interlace your fingers leaving your index and middle fingers free to point up.
-Exhale, engage your core and bend to the right. Keep your arms by your ears to avoid collapsing forward.
-Inhale, come up to center, reach up. Exhale, bend to the left. Keep your chest open and feel the stretch down the right-hand side of your body.
-Repeat 2-5 times each side.
-Inhale, come back to center, stretch up. Exhale, release your hands back down by your sides.
Contraindications
Avoid this pose if you have a shoulder injury.
Find more yoga routines designed specifically for surfers here.
