Are you one of those people that jump out of bed and immediately rush to get ready to work? There’s a better way to start your day and that’s by doing a few stretches first. If you’ve ever watched a cat when it first gets up, all it does is stretch for a while. We could learn a thing or two from our feline friends. Stretching upon rising can increase flexibility and boost circulation.
Lay in bed and stretch before you even put your feet on the floor.
If you sit at a desk all day, these will definitely help, but even if you don’t, you’ll get benefit. Lay on your left side with your right leg laying on top of your left leg. Your knees should be at a 90 degree angle, so it looks like you’re sitting on an invisible chair. Your hands should be directly in front of you stretched out, one on top of the other with palms facing. Lift the hand on top, in this case the right hand, straight up in the air and over to the side, twisting at the waist and opening the upper body with your arms rising up and over to the other side, following it with the eyes as you turn your head.
Take a cue from a runner to loosen your quads.
Quad stretches aren’t just for runners, they’re a good morning starter. The front upper thighs are the quads and you can stretch them and get the circulation going with a quad stretch. Stand next to a chair or anything you can hang onto to stabilize yourself. Bend one knee as you lift your leg backward and upward, grasping it at the ankle with your hand on the same side. Lift it slightly and hold in bent position for 20 to 30 seconds then lower it and do the same on the other side. Repeat several times.
Twisting to the left and twisting the right can get you warmed up whether it’s day or night.
Yeah, it was meant to rhyme just for fun and this type of stretch can actually be fun. Stand with your feet slightly apart and arms outstretched, perpendicular to the body. Then twist, swinging your upper body first to the left, then returning to the starting position and swinging your upper body to the right. Do this stretch for a few times and return to starting position. Then tip the upper body to the side, keeping the arms straight with one hand going straight up and the other lowering until you can touch your leg. Go back to starting position and do it again.
- Stretch your shoulders. Stand up. Put both arms straight out in front and lace your fingers together, pushing your palms forward as you stretch your back and your shoulders.
- After you stretch in front keep fingers folded, lift your arms above your head, turning your palms upward. Push the palms toward the sky as you lift your rib cage for a few seconds.
- A shoulder roll is a stretch that can reduce tension and improve circulation. Just sit or stand using good posture and roll your shoulders first forward then backward.
- Start by sitting on the edge of the bed, feet flat on the floor. Reach your hands toward your feet as you bend over, putting your knuckles on the floor and rounding your back. Hold that position for ten seconds, rise and repeat several times.
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