It's a no-brainer to stretch in the morning when you get out of bed. Sometimes, it seems like it's your body's automatic response to waking up. But if you don't stretch long enough or the right body parts, or the wrong way, it could be doing damage to your body and internal organs over time.
Stretching is a great way to help you tone, shape and grow the body you always wanted. And stretching in the morning sets your body to do that all day long.
Here are five stretches to do this and every morning.
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5. "Good Morning" Stretch
Standing feet together and hips straight, bend your right knee back and take the front of your right foot in your right hand. Keep your knees even as you bend your right knee back. Continue to keep your body straight as you hold this stretch, feeling it on the top of the quadriceps (see photo below). Do 3-5 sets x 30 seconds.
4. "How You Doing?" Stretch
Place hands behind head with elbows wedged wide open. Bend at hips, slightly bend knees, and push your butt back as far as possible. As you do this, allow torso to tip forward. Be sure to engage core and tip forward at torso, and avoid rounding back. Hold momentarily then draw hips forward, raise torso, and stand upright into starting position. This move stretches the hamstrings and lower back.
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3. "Up & At 'Em" Stretch
Standing shoulder-length apart put your hands on a wall or chair. Keep your heels on the ground and knees straight while leaning into the chair or wall. Do 3-5 sets x 30 seconds.
2. Runner’s Stretch
Sit down on the floor with one foot tucked in while the other is facing straight forward. Lean forward with your arm extended trying to grab your foot. If you cannot grab your foot, lean forward until you feel your hamstring stretching. Do 3-5 sets x 30 seconds.
1. Supine Twists
Lie flat on back. Bring one knee in toward belly and cradle it with opposite hand. Applying light pressure, pull that knee across body and to floor. Try to keep both shoulders on ground. The goal is to gently twist the spine; it's OK if knee does not make it all the way down to floor. Stop when you start to feel resistance from your lower back—you should also feel this stretch in the glutes. Repeat on opposite side.
