STRETCH YOUR WAY TO A TALLER, LEANER, YOU

 

Not all celebrities spend countless hours sweating it out at the gym. In fact, many have found they can simply stretch their way to a beautiful body. In addition to improving posture, the right stretches also relieve stress, boost self-esteem, reduce muscle tension, prevent injury and improve circulation. So it’s not surprising that stretching routines like Pilates, yoga and ballet have become Hollywood stars’ top choices for getting – and staying – in tip-top shape.

 

With an emphasis on slow, drawn-out movements that are designed to increase flexibility, stretching exercises make you feel leaner, stronger and even taller. They also help to define and tone your arms, butt, abdominals and back and leg muscles without overdeveloping them. But remember – it’s important to ease into a stretch, while continuing to inhale and exhale slowly. And never force it – a little tension is what you’re aiming for, not pain. With that being said, let’s see what some of today’s brightest stars have to say about stretching themselves thin.

 

Waist Stretch
Busy mom and actress Jane Seymour reveals, “After I had my twins, I began stretching to tone and strengthen my abdominal muscles. And on Dancing With The Stars, stretching and flexibility is so important.” Works Waist, Hips and Abs: With feet apart, place left hand on left outer thigh and raise right arm over head. Slide left hand down, leaning over and bring right arm up. Hold for 30 seconds then switch sides. Do 5 reps on each side.

 

Calf Stretch
Sex and the City’s Kim Cattrall says, “I’ve found stretching lengthens and strengthens my muscles. I love having strong looking legs.” While Kim certainly sports a stunning pair of ‘stems,’ aesthetics aren’t her only motivation. She needs those strong legs for the chic stilettos she wears all throughout New York City while filming the upcoming Sex and the City movie.

Works Calves and Hamstrings: Stand 3 feet away from a wall. Place hands on the wall at shoulder height and lean forward. Step with left foot until toes are 6 inches from the wall.  Keeping right leg straight, bend left knee and push firmly down with right heel. Hold for 30
seconds and reverse sides. Do 5 reps.

 

Inner Thigh Stretch
Vanessa Williams knows the value of a good stretch. Even though most of her time is spent starring in the hit, Ugly Betty, Vanessa still loves to sing and dance. “I’ve been a dancer almost all my life, so I understand the importance of stretching. I usually do Pilates or yoga stretches, but sometimes I’ll even do some ballet barre work for stretches.”
Works the Inner Thigh and Groin:  Sit up straight and with hands, slowly pull feet toward you, with knees pointing out and soles together. At the same time, press down with knees to feel a stretch along inner thighs.  Hold for 15 seconds; release. Do 12 reps.

 

Upper Back and Shoudler Stretch
“I take regular yoga classes,” reveals Gwyneth Paltrow, the OscarTM-
winning actor for Shakespeare in Love and star of the upcoming superhero
actioneer, Iron Man. “I really love the breathing, the relaxation and the flexibility.  It relieves tension while making you stronger.”  Works and Strengthens the Back (Cobra Pose): Lie face down with hands flat on the floor, legs slightly apart. Inhale as you lift your chest up. Arch head backward and stretch out body. Exhale slowly; hold, take five breaths then relax.

 

Total Body Stretch
“I’ve been doing yoga for years”, says Jerry Hall, model, mom and ex- better half to Rolling Stones front man, Mick Jagger.  “And my body is still toned, flexible and lean. Plus it’s a great stress reducer.”
Works Muscles Neck to Calf: Lie on back, knees bent. Keeping shoulders on the floor, drop knees to right as you turn head left; hold for 30 seconds. Slowly bring knees up and drop to left, as head turns right. Return to start; straighten legs and reach arms overhead. Hold for 15 seconds; relax. Repeat sequence 3 times.