5 Morning Stretches to Build a Better Body
Stretching in the morning is a great way to “awaken” your muscles and get them ready for the day. Stretching loosens up your body while increasing blood flow to your muscles. Incorporating morning stretches into your daily routine is a positive way to begin each day. Learn an easy and effective morning stretch exercise program.
Calf 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.
Complete: 3-5 sets x 30 seconds.
The calf stretch relieves foot, shin, hip, and knee pain, and can safeguard the Achilles tendon.
Quadriceps 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.
Complete: 3-5 sets x 30 seconds.
Stretching the quads can help improve knee and back pain in addition to improving circulation and even help reduce stress.
Shoulder Stretch
Stand shoulder-width apart, raise your right arm to shoulder height, and move it across the front of your body. With your left arm pull the right arm as close to the chest as possible and hold. Switch arms and repeat.
Complete: 3-5 sets x 30 seconds.
The shoulder is one of the most delicate joints in the body, this shoulder stretch helps improve flexibility and mobility.
Runner’s Stretch
Sit down 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.
Complete: 3-5 sets x 30 seconds.
The runner’s stretch is a great combatant against hip and knee pain, which is prevalent among avid runners.
Butterfly Stretch
Sitting down, take both feel and align your heels and feet so that they’re touching, then gently press down on your thighs with your elbows until you feel your groin area being stretched out.
Complete: 3-5 sets x 30 seconds.
This stretch opens up the hips and thighs to improve flexibility.
