Add the open book stretch into your routine to improve your posture and spinal mobility, according to experts.

Experts in This Article

doctor of physical therapy and owner ofC.O.R.E.

Our spine will start to decrease some of its range of motion and get stiffer, she says.

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When the spine is stiff, we have to ask something else to make up for it.

Thats when we start to see tightening of the muscles and pain.

Physical Therapyin Washington, D.C. Heres what you oughta know.

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Benefits of the open book stretch

Primarily, the open book stretch promotesspinal mobility.

The open book stretch can also improve your breathing.

It helps open up the rib cage, Duppler says.

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doctor of physical therapy and owner ofC.O.R.E. Physical Therapy

Simply slowing down the exercise and synching your breathing patterns with each movement can encourage deeper,diaphragmatic breathing.

Additionally, the open book stretch can help diversify your movement patterns.

It allows us to rotate in a way we typically dont.

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The open book stretch is appropriate and beneficial for most people, but there are a few caveats.

Why is it important to continually work on spinal mobility?

This kind of hunching isnt just an aesthetic issueit can lead to serious problems related to functional mobility.

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So, consider the open book stretch an investment in your future health and happiness.

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