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NECK RELAXER Work out those kinks in your neck by holding each of the following positions for a few seconds: Gently drop your head forward, chin to chest, and hold. Bring your head up and then back, so you're looking at the ceiling. Return to a neutral position, then slowly turn your head to look over each shoulder. Finally, without shrugging to meet it, tip your ear toward your shoulder until you feel a stretch. Repeat on the other side. SHOULDER ROLLS Release some of that tension in your upper back by shrugging your shoulders and holding the "up" position for a few seconds before gently dropping them. Rotate one shoulder up and back in a circle three times, and then do the same on the other side. Rotate both shoulders back in unison for a few repetitions. FIGURE-EIGHT HIP ROTATIONS If you've ever done salsa or belly dancing, this move should feel familiar. It's great for loosening up the hip joints and increasing blood fl ow to the legs. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and begin to roll hips side to side in a fi gure- eight motion. Continue for a few moments. ALTERNATING KNEE FLEXION To strengthen the quadriceps and hamstring—the major muscles in the front and back of your thigh—gently bend your knee, bringing your heel as high as you can toward your tush. Hold onto the back of your chair for balance, and don't go beyond your natural range of motion. Repeat several times, and then switch legs. CALF RAISES If "the higher, the better" describes your attitude toward shoes, then it's especially important for you to stretch and lengthen your calves—but this stretch will benefi t anyone who stands all day. Stand on a step or ledge with your heels hanging over the edge. Use the wall or railing for balance, and raise yourself up on your tiptoes. Hold for a moment, then lower your heels below the step until you feel a stretch in your calves, and hold. Repeat several times. GETTY IMAGES Live & Learn/Quick Tips The health risks of sitting all day are well documented but, as you well know, standing for eight (or 10, or 12) hours isn't exactly easy on the body, either. We may not be able to convince you to give up your heels in the name of good health, but with these fi ve stretches, you'll be on the right track to preserving your most important tool: your body. —ANGIE REIBER 46 | BEAUTY LAUNCHPAD | MAY 2016 Loosen Up! (Sources: bioped.com, healthline.com, healthyliving.azcentral.com, mnn.com)