Shell Stretch

Start the exercise in a four-foot stance and then sit with your buttocks backward toward your heels. However, the pelvis remains in the air. Extend your arms forward at the same time. If you want to reach the heart meridian, turn your hands so that the little finger is in contact with the floor. As shown in the video.

If you prefer to activate the circulatory meridian or if this arm position is uncomfortable for you, you can simply place the palms flat on the floor.

In both cases you will feel a stretch line along the forearms corresponding to the heart and circulatory meridians. In addition, you will also feel the stretch in your chest. To do this, however, it is necessary to let the sternum sink downward, toward the floor. This will give you the opportunity to create space in the chest area again, so that besides the heart, the lungs also get more space for their important activities.

Does this exercise help with breathing problems?

This exercise corrects a common poor posture in which the shoulders collapse forward, restricting the lungs. By stretching the chest muscles, this exercise also helps to deepen breathing.

The sternum does not sink down as far as possible.

Do not use a softer pad if you have knee pain.

The arms are not extended enough.

The pelvis is not placed behind the heels, but in front of them.

If possible, always exercise in front of a mirror.

Record yourself with your smartphone and then check this video for errors.

Make it a habit to do this exercise in the evening, before going to bed. This way you can easily let go of the stress of the day.

What can you do if the exercise is too difficult?

This exercise is very simple if you don't have knee problems. If you have problems kneeling, then first try it with a soft base. If this is also not possible, you can also do the exercise standing up and supporting yourself with your hands on a table. This will also stretch the heart meridian.