Regarding adaptability, Elena is most interested in consistency and patience. Whether you’re new to stretching or trying to improve your practice, her customized stretching program is ideal for increasing flexibility.
“Stretching is about feeling good in your body, not only about flexibility,” Elena notes. “It keeps you feeling light and relaxed and helps release stress.”
Elena’s preferred stretches for flexibility
Elena begins her program with soft, full-body stretches meant to treat stiff muscles. She usually does these motions:
Forward Fold (Hold for 30 seconds) “This stretch is fantastic for releasing your lower back and hamstrings,” Elena says. Maintaining soft knees, gently lean forward allowing your arms to hang near your toes.
Cat-Cow (Repeat for 10 breaths) To release the spine, you really must stretch dynamically. “I love starting with Cat-Cow to get my back moving and wake up my body,” Elena notes.
Seated Forward Bend (Hold for 30 seconds) This lengthens the lower back and hamstrings. Extended legs will let you reach for your toes. “If you cannot touch them,” Elena says. “Flexibility changes with time.”
Child’s Pose (Hold for 1 minute) Elena does Child’s Pose most often to release her hips and lower back tension. “It’s the ideal stretch to end a routine and feel grounded,” she explains.
Let go and enjoy the process.
Elena underlines that flexibility is not something you reach over night. “It’s about enjoying the process,” she says. “You will feel better both physically and psychologically the more you stretch.”
Her daily schedule reminds us that over time, little, regular efforts add up to great outcomes. Elena’s stretching regimen is a terrific place to start regardless of your level of experience or improvement goal.
