Simple Seated Stretch for Neck and Shoulders
Relaxation & Release
Use this simple stretch to find and relieve tension in your neck and shoulders. Gently use your right hand to tilt your head, bringing your right ear towards your right shoulder. You can increase the stretch along the whole left side of your body by placing your left hand, palm up, under your left seat bone. With simple variations, you will feel different sets of muscles release; keeping your head tilted, first point your chin up towards the ceiling, then down towards the floor. Experiment to pinpoint the spots where you have the most resistance, and gently hold for 30 seconds or so. Adding a smile really does increase the benefit of this exercise by waking up new muscles! Repeat on the other side. Doesn’t this exercise make you imagine how good stretching and mobilizing the neck and poll must feel for a hard-working horse? Coming to your horse with your own poll, neck, and shoulders relaxed is a game-changer! This is also a great exercise to do sitting right at your desk if you work at a computer most of the day.
Enjoy this week’s video below:
Simple Seated Stretch for Neck and Shoulders
Happy Riding!
Tonya
Have you watched my FREE Mini Course yet? Check it out at: https://movelikearider.com/Â
Want to know more? Schedule a free consult with me at: https://www.centaurphysicaltherapy.com/
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About Me:
Hi! I’m Tonya. I’m a Physical Therapist, human and equine functional anatomy expert, business owner, and horsewoman. I have a passion for horses, and in my younger years, the barn became a haven to escape the pressures of the outside world.
A path to becoming a veterinarian to work with horses evolved into a desire to connect human movement to people’s relationships with their horses. I ultimately chose physical therapy to help riders see themselves as athletes and show them how to be the best athletes for their horses.
I live in St. Petersburg, Florida, where I own and run Centaur Physical Therapy.
Every week, I will share a Thursday Tip…
which will be an easy exercise for equestrian riders to practice almost anywhere and anytime. These exercises will help improve your strength and mobility as an equestrian.
Join us next week for another easy exercise you can do at home, the barn, or anywhere you are comfortable!
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As an equestrian rider, it can be hard to find exercises that we can practice off the horse that will help our strength in the saddle. I’ve put together a series of seven steps you can take to improve your balance, body awareness, and posture in the saddle. Check it out!