If you can imagine the Egyptian King Tut with his shoulders, elbows and wrists bent at 90-degree angles, you will have an idea of some of the positions that dancers are required to perform when tutting. To bend your wrist to a 90-degree angle requires a high amount of flexibility in this joint. Flexibility is improved through daily stretching exercises. Wrist flexibility exercises do not require any equipment and you can complete your workout session while watching television or sitting in a waiting room.
Step 1
Hold your right hand in front of your body with your right elbow bent below your hand and your wrist bent higher than your fingers. Grasp the top of your right hand with your left hand so that your thumbs are on the same side. Gently press down with your left hand to stretch your right wrist while you press your elbows toward each other. Maintain the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds. Release and then repeat on the left hand.
Step 2
Place your palms together in front of your body with your elbows bent and thumbs touching your chest. Point your fingertips toward the ceiling. Keep your palms pressing together as you lower your hands toward your bellybutton. Aim to finish with your forearms parallel to the floor. Maintain this position for 20 to 30 seconds. Flip your fingertips toward the floor. Keep your palms pressed together as you raise your hands toward your chest until you feel the stretch in the back of your wrist. Maintain the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds.
Step 3
Extend your right arm straight in front of your body. Point your fingers toward the ceiling and your palm away from you. Place the fingers of your left hand with fingers pointing down. Gently pull toward your body with your left hand to stretch your right wrist. Maintain the stretch for 15 seconds. Release and repeat on the left arm.
Step 4
Sit on a couch or a chair that has an armrest. Position your forearm on the armrest and allow your hand to hang off the front edge. Point your fingers toward the ceiling and your palm away from your body. Aim to pull your fingers toward your body as you hold the stretch for 15 seconds. Lower your fingers to point toward the floor. Push your fingers toward your seat to stretch your wrist and hold the stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat on the opposite hand.
Tips and Warnings
- Perform the exercises on a daily basis. You can complete one to four sets of each exercise to increase your wrist flexibility for tutting.
