Tommy Bahama & SELF Magazine #4

Today we’ve got the last of my four part series with Tommy Bahama and SELF coming to an end!  I hope you’ve enjoyed the inspiration as much as we enjoyed producing this series (see previous posts here, here and here).  It really inspired me to get in shape in a way that only knowing you’re going to be photographed in swimwear can.  HA!  Kidding!  But in all seriousness, I’ve loved bringing some fitness inspiration to the site and plan on finding other avenues to inspire you down the road.  I’m still working hard with my favorite fitness pro January (who I am very much indebted to for helping me get stronger and healthier) so this won’t completely end here!

The first part of today’s post is all about the perfect beach cover-up!  I’m loving palm print ANYTHING these days, and this little number is no exception.  It’s such an easy piece to throw on for a beach stroll, which I’ve been doing a lot of lately as we’re feeling extra lucky to be near the ocean again!  And the second part of today’s post is all about stretching it out before and after a stand up paddle board session.  Stretching is my favorite part of any workout- when I had a gym membership I was the girl who spent the first 15 and last 30 minutes of an hour long workout STRETCHING.  Which is probably why it’s a good thing I cancelled my membership and started getting exercise doing things I love instead!  But even when I’m super into a workout, I still look forward to the stretching session at the end- it just feels so good.  So below you’ll find some of my favorite stretches for before/after a stand up paddle board adventure.  Click through to see more!   xx- Sarah    {Photos: Lou Mora}

SHOP THIS POST: Floral Tunic, Bracelet, Black bikini top, Black bikini bottom, Printed bikini top, Printed bikini bottom, Paddleboard

Dancer Pose-  Begin standing, facing forward on your board with arms at your sides.  Lift one foot behind you, wrap your hand around the inside of your foot.  Stabilize your standing leg and raise the arm not holding your foot straight into the air.  As you feel comfortable, bend forward stretching your leg behind you.  Keep chest raised, shoulders broad, and hold for 5 breaths.

Bridge Pose-  Begin lying on your back.  Bring knees up, feet hips width distance apart.  Press through your feet and lift your hips up.  Keep squeezing knees together and clasp your hands under your back.  Keep neck straight at all times.  Take 5-10 deep breaths and slowly release, one vertebrae at a time, until you are once again lying flat.

Wheel Pose- This is a more advanced stretch, please do not attempt if you are not warmed up, and have not been practicing bridge pose and stretching regularly.  If you have begin in bridge pose, place hands flat on board beside your ears, fingers pointing towards your feet.  Take a deep breath, engage your abs and lift up through your hips.  Press your chest forward, lift your belly to the sky and hold for 5-10 breaths.  Release by lifting head and slowly lowering back to the board.

Crescent Lunge- Begin on knees, bring one leg to the front and place foot flat so that leg is bent at a 90 degree angle.  Move hips forward slightly, raise arms to align with your ears, fingers toward the sky.  Press hips forward and stretch.  Hold for five breaths.

Crescent lunge with back bend-  Begin in crescent lunge as detailed above.  Bend backwards lifting your heart to the sky.  Hold for 5-10 breaths.

Pyramid Pose/Hamstring Stretch- Begin standing, both feet facing forward.  Place one foot 2-3′ in front of the other and bend forward, bringing hands to the board and if possible, nose towards your knee.  Hold for 5-10 breaths.  Switch legs and repeat.

Wide Leg Forward Fold- Begin with legs wide on the board, feet parallel to each other, toes pointed slightly in.  Fold forward, placing hands on the board and hold for 5-10 breaths.