If you’re looking for a morning ritual that will help start your day off right, morning stretches can be just the ticket! Not only can morning stretches give you an energy boost, but they can also help to improve posture and range of motion. Here are 7-morning stretching exercises that you can do each morning to help refresh your body and mind. With these stretches, you can make sure that your morning is off to a great start!
7 Best Morning Stretches To Start Your Day
1. Cat-Cow Stretches
Cat-cow stretches are a great way to warm up your spine and help you get your morning started.
Equipment needed: yoga mat
How to do it: To begin, start on all fours on the ground with your palms flat and shoulder-width apart. As you inhale, arch your back and look up towards the ceiling; this is the “Cat” position. As you exhale, round your back and tilt your chin towards your chest; this is the “Cow” position. Alternate between these two positions for five breaths, and then rest for a few moments.
2. Child’s Pose
This is a gentle stretching exercise that helps to relax the body while also opening up the hips and shoulders.
Equipment needed: For such morning stretches you only need a yoga mat
How to do it: Start by sitting on your heels with your toes together and your knees spread apart. Then, slowly walk your hands forward until you are in the child’s pose position with your forehead touching the ground. Hold this position for five to ten breaths, and then slowly come back up.
Muscles worked: hips, shoulders, and lower back
3. Seated Spinal Twist
This gentle twist helps to relax the spine and open up your chest and shoulders.
Equipment needed: yoga mat
How to do it: Start by sitting on the floor with your legs outstretched in front of you. Bend your right knee and use your left hand to pull it across your body until it’s resting against your left hip. Place your right arm behind you, then gently twist to the left. Hold for five to ten breaths, then switch sides.
Muscles worked: spine, shoulders, and chest
4. Mountain Pose
This standing posture helps to open up the hips and shoulders while strengthening your legs and stretching your arms.
Equipment needed: No equipment is needed for such morning stretches
How to do it: Stand with your feet together and your arms by your side. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, draw your chin towards your chest and reach your arms overhead. Hold for five breaths, then relax.
Muscles worked: legs, arms, and core
5. Cobra Pose
This morning stretch helps to open up the chest while strengthening your abdomen and back muscles.
Equipment needed: yoga mat
How to do it:
Lie face-down on the ground and place your hands beneath your shoulders. As you inhale, press into your hands and lift your chest off the ground. Hold for five to ten breaths, then release back to the ground.
Muscles worked: chest, abdomen, and back
6. Forward Fold
This stretching exercise helps to release tension in the lower back while also lengthening the hamstrings.
Equipment needed: none
How to do it: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms by your side. Take a deep breath in, then as you exhale, hinge at the hips and fold your torso over your legs. Hold for five breaths, then slowly roll up to standing.
Muscles worked: hamstrings, calves, and lower back
7. Half-Forward Fold
This is an easier version of the traditional forward fold, and it helps to stretch the hamstrings while also relieving tension in your lower back.
Equipment needed: none
How to do it: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms by your side. Take a deep breath in, then as you exhale, bring one hand to the floor and gently hinge at the hips. Hold for five breaths, then switch sides.
Muscles worked: hamstrings and lower back
These morning stretches are a great way to start your day off right! By stretching each morning you can help reduce tension in your body while also improving your overall flexibility and mobility. So take some time to give yourself the morning boost you need by doing these seven morning stretches!
You deserve it.
FAQs
Why does the body shake during morning stretches?
The body may shake during morning stretches as it is getting used to the stretching motion and working muscles that have not been used in a while. The shaking is a natural response of the body as it adjusts to the new movement and helps to relax the muscles. It can also help release any tension or tightness that has built up in the body. Additionally, morning stretches help to increase blood flow and circulation throughout the body, which can help the muscles warm up and relax. Ultimately, morning stretches are an important part of staying healthy and fit, so don’t be afraid to give them a try!
What are some morning stretches that will jumpstart the body and mind?
There are many morning stretches that can help jumpstart your body and mind. Some of the best morning stretches include:
1. Cat-Cow Pose: This stretch helps to warm up the spine while also improving posture and flexibility.
2. Downward Facing Dog: This classic yoga pose helps to stretch the spine and legs while also giving your arms and shoulders a good stretch.
3. Twisting Flow: This full-body stretch helps to open up your hips and shoulders while also improving balance and coordination.
4. Mountain Pose: This standing posture helps to energize the body while also strengthening your legs and arms.
Is it good to do morning stretches immediately after waking up?
Yes, it is a good idea to do morning stretches immediately after waking up. Morning stretches help to reduce stiffness and tension in the body while also increasing blood flow and circulation. Additionally, morning stretches can help reduce stress levels and give you a boost of energy to start your day off right.