6 Best Stretches for your Boudoir Session

When our clients ask what they should do to prepare for their sessions, we encourage them to groom themselves to their liking, drink plenty of water, and of course, do stretches! Your boudoir session can feel a lot like a beginner’s yoga class. I’m not out here moonlighting as a hot yoga instructor but boudoir can put your body in poses you don’t normally do. Stretching before (and after!) your session means you’re relaxed and ready. On that note, enjoy six of the best stretches for your boudoir session.

Cat/Cow

This stretch can be used to warm up your neck, shoulders, and back. Kneel on the floor and put your hands down in front of you. Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees directly below your hips. Inhale deeply while curving your lower back and bringing your head up, dropping your belly like a “cow.” Exhale and bring your abdomen in and arch your spine like a “cat.” Repeat several times.

Spinal Twist

Besides sounding like some hardcore metal band, this stretch is for warming up your spine (duh) and wringing out your body like a sponge. Lying on your back, bring your arms out to the sides with the palms facing down in a T position. While keeping one leg straight, bring the other leg across your body, twisting the spine and low back. Keep the shoulders flat on the floor, close the eyes, and relax. Let gravity pull the crossed knee down, so you don’t have to put any effort into this stretch. Repeat on the other side.

Ankle Circles

With all the toe pointing we do in the studio, make sure you do ankle circles before and after your session. Start by turning your ankle around slowly in circles to the left, then the right. Keep your movements small and focus on only using your foot and ankle, not your entire leg. Repeat on the other side.

Downward Facing Dog

This stretch warms up your hamstrings, shoulders, calves, arches, hands, and spine. Reach and place your hands flat on the floor, so your hands and knees are on the floor. Raise your hips high and keep your arms straight. Help straighten your back by squeezing your shoulder blades together. Keep your head down, looking at the floor.

Child’s Pose

This stretch helps open up your back and hips, which is a necessary cool-down for your boudoir session. Kneel on the floor and sit on your knees. Lean forward, put your butt on your heels, and rest your forehead on the floor. Move your arms so they’re next to your legs, palms facing up. Inhale and exhale, slowly and deeply.

Forward Bend

This stretch can be done sitting or standing. If you’re seated, sit up tall and extend your legs in front of you with feet together. Reach your arms up, inhaling. Exhale and bend forward, keep your back flat. Hold onto your shins, ankles, or feet, wherever your hands feel natural.

If you’re on your feet, stand tall with your legs together. Inhale and raise your arms above your head next to your ears. Exhale and bend forward from your hips. Make a straight line with your arms and upper body. Bend forward, letting your arms and head relax. Breathe slowly and deeply. Then inhale and slowly come back up, keeping your arms and head hanging, until you’re standing straight.

Find more tips for your boudoir session below:
How to safely backup your boudoir images
5 Common Boudoir Client Mistakes
What to look for in a boudoir photographer