Enterbutterfly stretches, which can combat your work-from-home aches and pains, plus so much more.
Boom, there’s your butterfly.
Bring your feet in towards your inner thighs, pressing the soles of your feet together.
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Let your knees fall to either side, pressing down towards the floor.
Hold your feet with your hands, keeping your spine as elongated as possible.
More on the benefits below:
Who Should Try Them
Short answer?
Everybody, according to Neville.
If you’re new to the stretch, she recommends easing into your butterfly slowly.
It only takes a minute or two to start reaping the benefits of butterflies.
Butterfly stretches are also great for athletes thanks to their ability to promote flexibility, adds Hackney.
If the basic butterfly stretch feels uncomfortable to you, make props your best friend, says Neville.
First, take stock of what part of your body is most challenged by the stretch.
Is it your back?
If so, do the stretch with your backagainst a wall, she recommends.
This will help you keep a long spine.
You could also opt for trying the stretch one leg at a time, says Hackney.
Extend one leg out, and keep the other in butterfly position.
The closer your feet are to your body, the deeper the stretch (and vice versa).
you’re free to also lean forward to deepen your butterfly, she adds.
Just see to it yourback stays straightthe entire time.
If it starts to round over, ease off.
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A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.Int J Environ Res Public Health.
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