5 MAGIC POSES

These simple movements can ease discomfort

Try these exercises at home to help relieve the discomfort of IBS. They’re all low impact and designed to get your body moving. Spend as long as you feel comfortable on each move, breathing steadily throughout each one to release any tension in your body.

CHILD POSE

Sit on your bottom with your feet together and knees wide. Reach forward so that your hands are outstretched on the mat in front of you and let your body relax.

KNEE TO ELBOW

Starting on all fours, stretch your left leg out behind you and your right arm in front of you. Then, bend them both so that you bring your elbow to your opposite knee as you squeeze your core. Return to all fours and repeat with the opposite arm and leg.

CAT COW

Start on all fours with your hands placed under your shoulders and knees in line with your hips. As you inhale, drop your belly toward the floor and lift up your chin. Then, as you exhale, pull your belly button up towards your spine as you arch your back and tuck your chin to your chest.

SEATED TWIST

Start seated with your legs stretched out in front of you. Bend your left leg and place your foot over the right knee. Twist to your left, taking your right elbow across your left knee, and place your left hand on the floor behind you. Repeat on the opposite side.

GLUTE BRIDGE

Lying on your back with your knees bent, feet on the floor and arms by your side, slowly lift your hips as you squeeze your bottom. Hold at the top of the movement before gently lowering, as you uncurl your spine back onto the floor, one vertebrae at a time.