Recovery stretch

Source: Best Health magazine, November/December 2014; Illustration by Wendy Ding

Don’t forget to stretch after working out’it’s the best thing for a speedy recovery, and feeling great. Try this triangle stretch after a brisk walk or workout session to loosen your obliques, inner thighs, hamstrings and neck. Stretch only until you feel a slight ‘pull’ or stretch in the muscle; you should feel tension relief, never pain.

Technique

Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart; point your right foot forward and your left foot to the side. Extend your arms straight out to your sides at shoulder level, then bend to the left, reaching for your left shin with your left hand. Extend left hand down as far as possible while reaching toward the ceiling or sky with your right hand. Turn your head slightly to the right to look upward. Hold for 15 seconds, then return to starting position and repeat, stretching to the opposite side.