Most of us only think of side bending when we stretch. In fact, side bending is vital to every move you make! Just to get through the day, your ribs need to flex, fold, and bend in every direction. If you start to limit their movement from pain, stress, injury, or trauma, you are severely compromising both safety and freedom.

If you stiffen your ribs, you have a much greater chance of injury. Try intentionally holding your ribs still and walking around. Feel the limitation. Now imagine that you are holding or gripping on some small, unconscious level all day long. What if you recovered your freedom to move? Reintroducing the side bend is vital for your full potential for human movement.

By making slow, incremental improvements, your ribs will feel free, open, and light. Breathing and digestion improve. It's a win all around.

1 Hand to heel, lifting hips, 34 min (back)
2 Side bend for flexible ribs, 36 min (back, front)
3 Pressing and lifting ribs, 39 min (side)
4 Half seated, side bend many ways, 38 min (chair)
5 Side bending both sides, press ribs, 30 min (side)