February 2 Simple Stretches.
To help keep strain off the upper back, neck, shoulders, wrists and forearms I suggest you use round needles instead of the extremely long straight needles. If you are working on a heavy project such as a blanket the weight alone will cause strain and discomfort on all the above mentioned areas. By using the round needles all of the weight will be placed in the center of the needles and there will be less strain.
Upper back stretch:
Sit tall with your feet flat on the ground. Extend both arms out front. Round your shoulders slightly and try to reach as far forward as you can without leaning from your hip joint. Hold this position for 15 seconds.
For a little extra with this stretch you can drop your chin to your chest and you will include your neck.
Shoulder stretch
Sit tall with your feet flat on the ground. Take one arm and cross your chest. Take your other arm and hold it for support. Hold this position for 15 seconds. Then switch sides.
The above is from the booklet “Stretches for those who Knit and Crochet” This book can be found on the website or on Amazon.
Ellen is a certified Fitness Practitioner/Personal Trainer, teaching obtainable lifestyle changes for over 25 years. Ellen writes and produces fitness DVD’s CD’s and Books of the IsoBreathing program. All are now being sold through the IsoBreathing website. http://www.isobreathing.com