To Perform the Open Book Stretch:

1. Begin lying on your right side. Both arms should be fully extended and resting on the floor in front of you at shoulder height. Your right leg should be straight and your left hip and knee should be bent 90 degrees and resting on the mat (figure 1).
   
   
2. From this position reach the left arm back, bringing the back of your left hand towards the floor behind you (figure 2).
   
   
3. As you reach the left arm back, keep the right arm resting on the floor. Do not allow the left knee to lift off of the mat (figure 3).
   
   
4. To promote greater spine motion, turn your head to look at the left hand as you reach back.
   
   
5. Hold this stretch position for 1-2 seconds and return to the starting position.
   
   
6. Repeat the motion 10 times and then repeat on the opposite side.
   
   
   

Figure 1

Figure 3 - Error (Do not let the knee rasie off the floor)