This postnatal exercise is designed to take the stress and strain out of your neck.
Pushy Mothers, the creators of the Buggy Workout, designed this cuff squeeze postnatal exercise for Practical Parenting & Pregnancy magazine, our sister publication. As a new mum, you'll be doing plenty of baby carrying, lifting and bending, so you'll love what this exercise can do...
What it does: We know you’re now a cuddle expert, but this exercise will correct your round-shouldered stoop. It takes the stress and tension out of your neck and shoulders.
Get set: Sit in a comfortable position, with your spine in neutral (see box on right). Bend your elbows to 90° and draw them into your waist. Ensure that your shoulders and ribcage are drawn gently down.
Action: Breathe IN to prepare, and as you breathe OUT draw your tummy in and open your forearms to the side, keeping elbows ‘super glued’ tightly into waistline and forearms horizontal. Breathe IN to release and return with control.
Tips:
- Use your abdominal muscles to help draw the ribcage down.
- Slide the shoulder blades down as your arms open.
- Avoid leaning back as your arms open.
