by: Janet Kolish, Yoga Instructor

Many of us who have suffered with severe lung disease over a long period of time have lost some muscle tone throughout the thoracic area resulting in sunken chest and/or rounded back. It�s important for those of us in the transplant program to be as fit as possible for the challenge of transplant plus creating more muscular to help in our recovery. Our chests and backs need to be strong to handle all the coughing required either pre or post transplant.

The following exercise will encourage the chest to open while the back muscles contract. Your body may not especially like it at first because it has been so used to being rounded, but I hope you will put this movement on your �things to do� list. Always working very slowly and thoughtfully, caring for your body and most importantly appreciating your body and what it is capable of doing.

You may do this stretch either standing or sitting on the edge of a firm chair. I did this movement every day prior to transplant. Let�s proceed.

- Bring your arms behind your back and entwine the fingers -allow the arms to be relaxed resting behind your back.

- Inhale deeply and as you exhale with pursed lip breathing lift your shoulders toward the ears. Take another deep breath in and on the exhalation begin to gently squeeze shoulder blades together. Continue the breath as you hold the shoulder blades together let the shoulders drop slightly toward the floor. Hold as long as it is comfortable for you staying in touch with the breath.

- Lift the chin gently toward the ceiling - it�ll be a natural position for the head to be in. Concentrate on your breathing and observe how the chest has opened and the back muscles have contracted. While fingers remain entwined, you may be able to straighten the arms in this position and if you are more flexible, you will be able to move your arms away from your body. This is a bit more advanced. Work at your own pace and never experience pain or discomfort. Enjoy it! You will begin to see improvement in your posture and the increased ability to hold your upper body up with a straight spine.

Back to Hath Yoga Home Page

Back to Exercise Information Page

Back to Home Page