Three of the best upper body stretches
A lot of women experience lower back, shoulder and neck pain during and after pregnancy. Osteopath and mum Sarah Boughtwood, who specialises in back pain and pregnancy, shares her three favourite upper-body stretches to keep your neck, shoulders and lower back strong and supple.
Lower back stretch Sitting with one leg straight, bend the other leg over the straight leg, with your foot on the floor. Then twist to one side, placing your elbow on the bent leg. You should feel the stretch in your lower back. Keep your spine straight. Hold for 30 seconds.
Sarah is dressed by Stirling Sports, Takapuna.
Back of your shoulder stretch Standing or sitting, cross one arm across your body and gently use the opposite arm to gently pull the straight arm. The stretch should be felt in the back of your shoulder. Hold for 30 seconds.
Sarah is dressed by Stirling Sports, Takapuna
Neck stretch Sitting or standing, tip your head to one side, gently pull your neck. Push the opposite shoulder away to further the stretch. You should feel the stretch in the side of your neck. To change the stretch, tip your head slightly forwards then backwards to target different parts of the muscles. Hold for 30 seconds.
Sarah is dressed by Stirling Sports Takapuna
A lot of women experience lower back, shoulder and neck pain during and after pregnancy. Osteopath and mum Sarah Boughtwood, who specialises in back pain and pregnancy, shares her three favourite upper-body stretches to keep your neck, shoulders and lower back strong and supple.