1. The Chest Challenge
While a bit challenging, the yoga standing chest stretch is a fantastic way to open your chest. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your spine tall and straight. Intertwine your fingers at your lower back and inhale deeply. Exhale and, if possible, lift your hands, but do not compromise a straight back in an attempt to further lift your hands. Hold the stretch for 3 to 5 deep breaths and then lean forward at the hips. As you lean forward, you should able to lift your hands a bit further. Hold the forward bend for 3 to 5 deep breaths and then engage your abdominals and come to standing on an exhale. Gently release your arms and repeat the stretch if desired.
2. Release the Ribs
The yoga side bend is a great stretch for the chest, sides of the body, hips and arms. Stand with your feet about hip width apart and reach your hands straight overhead, lengthening through the spine. Grip your right wrist with your left hand and inhale deeply. As you exhale, gently bend to the left. To stretch the chest, it is important that your right hand does not fall forward, instead, try to open your arm out. Hold for 3 to 5 deep breaths before lifting upright on the exhale and repeating on the opposite side.
3. Stretch From the Side
Stand with your feet as wide as is comfortable to begin the extended side angle yoga pose. Keep the toes of your left foot pointing straight ahead and turn the toes of your right foot so that they point to the side. Bend your right knee and drop into a deep squat and then lower your right hand to the floor on the outside of your right knee. Lift your head and left arm to the ceiling, opening up the left arm to stretch the chest. Hold the pose for 3 to 5 breaths and then either enter directly into the twisting triangle or engage your abs, lift to standing and repeat on the opposite side.
4. The Twisting Triangle
From the extended side angle position, lower your left arm, placing a hand on either side of your right foot and straighten your knee to begin the twisting triangle yoga pose. Draw your left foot in a few inches closer to your right foot, keeping both of your legs straight and toes now pointing forward. Inhale deeply and as you exhale, lift your right arm to the sky. Open your arm as far as possible while turning your gaze to your uplifted hand and breath deeply for 3 to 5 full breaths. Relax on an exhale, lift to standing and either move into the extended side angle on the opposite side followed by the twisting triangle, or move directly into the triangle on the opposite side.
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