Stretch It Out: Easy Boudoir Photoshoot Prep to Look & Feel Amazing

You don’t need to be a gymnast to absolutely rock your boudoir photoshoot, but a little flexibility goes a long way in helping you feel amazing during your session. At Belle Marie Boudoir, we know that boudoir photoshoots are all about creating gorgeous curves, arching your back, and showing off your natural boudoir beauty.

That’s why we always recommend a few light stretches before your session to help you loosen up and calm any nerves if you’re feeling nervous about your boudoir shoot. These simple moves make your body feel relaxed, confident, and ready to strike those flattering poses that leave you saying, “Wow, that’s me!”

This guide is full of easy, beginner-friendly stretches you can do at home, even if you haven’t stretched in years. They’re quick, gentle, and perfect for setting the tone for a meaningful photoshoot that’s all about celebrating you. Whether you’re coming in for your first boudoir photoshoot or your fifth, these stretches will help you walk into your session feeling calm, empowered, and ready to shine for your boudoir portraits.

Why Stretching Helps with Boudoir Posing during your Photoshoot

During a boudoir session, you’ll be posing in ways that will arch your back, push your booty out, lift your chest forward, and elongate your legs. Stretching ahead of time helps you, feel less stiff, hold poses more easily, avoid soreness, set in the mindset for feeling strong and sexy

You’ll also be holding those poses for a few seconds while we adjust lighting, fabric, or your hair. These shapes look incredible on camera, but they do ask a little more from your body than day-to-day movement. I’m always a little tired after a photoshoot, but we promise the work is worth it once you see your photos!

When Should I Stretch?

We recommend doing these stretches the night before and the morning of your session. Even better if you start a light stretching routine a week or two before your session. Your body will thank you!

During your photoshoot, you want your muscles to be warm and loose, but not sore or overworked. Think gentle warm-up, not full workout. I love a stretch session before bed, it always helps me relax and fall asleep faster. Then good stretch in the morning will help calm your nerves and get the blood flowing to make sure you're ready for the day ahead!

These stretches should never cause pain. You don’t need to force yourself into any position to get results. If something feels uncomfortable, ease out of it. And if you’re feeling tight or sore the day before your shoot, a warm bath with Epsom salts or a steamy shower can help your muscles relax. Follow up with your stretches and you'll feel like a new person!

Stretch 1: Cat-Cow for Back & Belly

My all time favorite  stretch! It’s simple and so effective. We love it because it mimics how you’ll move your back and belly during your session.

How to do it:

• Start on your hands and knees.

• Inhale and drop your belly, lift your chest and chin, and push your booty up.

• Exhale and slowly round your spine, tuck your chin to your chest, curve your back up, and pull your belly button in.

• Repeat slowly 5–10 times.

  
  

This movement warms up your spine and helps with that gorgeous arched-back shape we use in so many poses. The key is to move slowly and think about deep and controlled breaths during the movements. Don’t rush this one!

Stretch 2: Wall Arch Stretch

This one is great for lengthening your back, legs, and shoulders all at once. You'll be using your arms during the photoshoot to run your hands through your hair or to pose against a wall or mirror so you want them to be warmed up and ready to hold those poses.

How to do it:

• Stand 6–12 inches from a wall with your feet together.

• Reach your hands straight above your head and place them on the wall.

• Slowly push your booty back and slide your chest down the wall.

• Keep your face close to the wall as you stretch.

• Hold for 15–30 seconds, then gently stand back up.

  
  

This stretch also helps you practice the kind of deep back arch we use to create those beautiful curves in your session.

Stretch 3: Lying Twist (aka “The Back Cracker”)

It’s also an amazing stretch for your spine and hips.

How to do it:

• Lay flat on your back.

• Bring both knees up, then gently twist your lower body to the left while keeping your upper body flat.

• Let your knees fall as close to the floor as is comfortable.

• Hold for 15–30 seconds, then switch sides. Move slowly and repeat 10 times.

You might feel a little pop in your back (the good kind!), and that’s totally normal.

Stretch 4: Side-Lying Chest Opener

This is a good one to do right after the lying twist. It’ll continue to stretch and warm up your spine as well as your shoulders.

How to do it:

• Lay on your right side with knees gently bent and feet stacked on each other.

• Keep your right arm straight out and rest your left hand on your right hand.

• Slowly rotate your torso to bring your left arm up and over to to the floor behind you.

• Keep your knees together and still during this moment.

• Pause for 5-10 seconds to feel the stretch in your spine and shoulders then rotate back to your starting position. Repeat 5-10 time on the right side and then again while laying on your left.

Stretch 5: Childs Pose

Here’s one to help those hips relax and stretch your spine all in one! This stretch was a lifesaver when I was pregnant and my hips were aching,

How to do it:

• Start on all fours and bring your toes together and spread knees apart as far as comfortable

• Sit back onto your heels and at the same time extend your arms forward and rest your forehead to the ground.

• Deepen your breaths and let your shoulders and hips relax as you ease into this one!

• Hold for at least 30 seconds or longer if you’d like.

Bonus Tips

• If you're doing these before bed dim the lights, put on some calming music, and light a candle.

• In the morning, do the stretches in front of a window with natural light to help your body wake up for the day.

• Wear something comfy and stretchy—no jeans or tight bras.

• Don’t forget to breathe! Deep breaths help release tension.

• If you’re feeling nervous, take a few minutes to close your eyes and focus on how amazing you’re going to feel during your session. After stretching you can lay flat on the floor or a mat with one hand on your chest and one on your stomach and focus on your breaths and set your intentions for the session!

Final Thoughts: You Got This 💖

Stretching won’t just help you pose better, it’s a simple, calming ritual to center yourself before your shoot.

These moves get your body ready and help ease that nervous energy. Most of all, they remind you that your session is about you and ryour strength, your beauty, and your story.

We’ll guide you every step of the way. But with these stretches, you’ll walk in already feeling one step more confident.

Now go on, strike that pose!