Incorporating stretches into your daily routine is beneficial in so many ways.
Stretching is instrumental in improving our mental and physical health if done consistently (at least 3 times a week).
Some of these benefits are:
- Increased Flexibility - Muscles tend to tense and tighten after a hard workout, sitting in front of a computer too long or after a long night of sleep. Stretching daily can help ache muscles have a better range of motion and flexibility. When your range of motion increases so do your daily activities.
- Stress Relief - Stretching is a much needed stress reliever. Stress creates tension that we can feel throughout our body. Stress usually hangs out in the shoulder and back area causing other health issues like tension headaches and back pain. Stretching daily can ease the tension that your body may be feeling as well as ease a lot of the emotional stress that overwhelms us in our daily life.
- Increased Blood Flow to Muscles - Inflammation in our muscles happens after a workout to help recover from strenuous exercise. Stretching before and after a workout can help cut down on the recovery time, reduce tightness, warm up the muscles and help combat soreness.
Adding these simply Stretches to your morning routine and reap the benefits.
Side Lunge - Stand with legs apart and slowly stretch to one side with bending over knee. You will feel the stretch in your inner thigh.
Chest - Put your hands together behind your head and lock your fingers together and gently squeeze your shoulders together and you will feel stretch in your inner thigh.
Cobra - Lay down on your stomach with your palms down and aligned with shoulder slowly push upper body up and raise head to ceiling. This will stretch out your back and stomach.
Runners Stretch - Put one knee on floor and the other leg out in front of you. Place both hands near ankle and gently lean your torso forward. This will stretch legs and lower back.
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Photo by Carl Barcelo on Unsplash
Valerie Morrison
Author