Stubborn Carpenter

Workshop gym, no. 24

Tall stretch

A big morning stretch: reach up tall and rise onto your toes. Wakes up the whole body and practises your balance.

Press start when you’re ready

Pin it up in the shed: the moves, the beat and a tally board for your week, on one A4 page.

Download the A4 sheet (PDF)

How to do it

  1. Stand tall, feet hip-width apart, near a wall or chair in case you wobble.
  2. Breathe in as you raise both arms in front of you and up overhead.
  3. At the same time, rise up onto your toes and reach for the ceiling.
  4. Hold for three seconds, standing as tall as you can.
  5. Breathe out as you lower your arms and heels together.

Easier

Keep your heels on the floor and just reach up.

Harder

Hold at the top for five seconds.

Balance

Have a chair or wall within reach. Stop if you feel dizzy.

This is what worked for me, not medical advice. If you have a heart condition, have had surgery, or feel dizzy, chest pain or breathlessness, stop and check with your GP before carrying on.