Once you’re out of bed, it can be tempting to start your day without taking time to do anything else. However, there are things worth doing in the morning, and one of them is stretching. Not only does stretching wake up your body, it can also help reduce stiffness and soreness later in the day. Here are five stretches you can do every morning for a dynamic and active day.
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Reach for the sky:
This stretch is exactly what it sounds like. Simply raise your arms above your head and stretch your arms up to the sky. You should feel a stretch in your shoulders, arms, and back. Hold this stretch for 10 to 15 seconds before lowering your arms back down to your sides.
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Touch your toes:
Start by standing with your feet hip-width apart. Slowly bend forward at the waist and touch your toes. If you can’t reach them, that’s okay: go as far as you can without rounding your back. You should feel a stretch in your hamstrings (the muscles at the back of your thighs). Hold this stretch for 10 to 15 seconds before gently returning to a standing position.
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Stretch:
Start by standing with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Raise your arms and wrap them around you in a big hug. You should feel a stretch in your upper back and shoulders. Hold this stretch for 10 to 15 seconds before releasing it and standing back up.
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Do a twist:
Start by standing with both feet on the floor and place one hand on either side of your waist, just above where your hips begin to curve inward. Gently twist from side to side, moving only at the waist. Keep your knees forward throughout the stretch. You should feel a slight stretch in your chest and shoulders. Hold each side for 10 to 15 seconds before returning to a standing position.
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Lateral bending:
Start by standing with both feet on the floor and place one hand on either side of the waist, just above where the hips begin to curve inward. Slowly bend to the side, moving only the waist. Keep your knees forward throughout the stretch. You should feel a slight stretch in your chest and shoulder muscles. Hold each side for 15 seconds before returning to a standing position.
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Move your head.
When you wake up in the morning, your body is probably a little stiff. To relax your muscles and get the blood flowing, it’s a good idea to end your stretches with a movement of the head. Start by sitting up straight with your shoulders relaxed. Then, gradually tilt your head to the left, holding this position for a few seconds. Then tilt your head to the right. Finally, rotate your head clockwise, then counterclockwise. You should feel your neck muscles relax as you do this stretch. Head movements are a great way to start the day and will help you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day.
Do not forget !
Drinking two glasses of water is essential to rehydrate your body and kick-start your metabolism. In general, drinking water on an empty stomach helps flush out toxins that have built up overnight and gives your brain the hydration it needs to function properly.
Conclusion :
These are all easy stretches you can do every morning when you wake up! They will help you reduce stiffness and soreness later in the day while helping you wake up your body! Try incorporating them into your morning routine and see how you feel!
