10 Morning Stretches to Kickstart Your Day
Getting your body moving in the morning isn’t always easy. We’ve all experienced the shuffle to the bathroom with every body part clicking and cracking along the way - a simple morning stretch routine could be all you need to increase your flexibility and movement throughout the day.
Some studies suggest that, along with other forms of regular exercise, stretching could help you to reduce pain, manage health conditions and improve your metabolism.
Starting your day right by taking a few minutes to stretch your major muscle groups could go a long way in improving your overall health. The stretch routine below taken from the Bupa website takes you through 10 simple stretches, they begin lying in your bed and finish with your feet planted firmly on the floor - so you’re ready to take on the day ahead.
Hold each stretch for 15-20 seconds and repeat 2-3 times, don't forget to take plenty of deep breaths, this is especially important if the muscles and joints feel tight.
Stretches in bed
Cobra Stretch
Lie on your stomach and place your hands flat beneath your shoulders. Tuck your elbows in by your sides and gently raise your head and chest, keeping your hips and groin on the bed.
If it feels comfortable, you can go a little deeper by lifting your tummy off the bed too. Remember to relax your neck and shoulders. Hold the stretch for 15-20 seconds and when you’re ready, gently lower back down.
Knees-to-chest
Lying flat on your back, bring one knee to your chest and hold it in position with your arms or hands. You should feel a nice stretch in your lower back. If it feels comfortable, you can also do this stretch by bending both knees at the same time.
Spinal Twist
Lying on your back, raise one of your knees, and gently roll it over to the opposite side. Make sure both of your shoulders stay in contact with the bed at all times.
If it feels comfortable, stretch one arm out to the side, keeping it in line with your shoulders, and slowly turn your head to face your outstretched arm. You should feel the stretch on the sides of your upper body and your lower back. Breathe deeply and repeat on the opposite side.
Sitting Exercises
Upper Back Stretch
Sit on the edge of your bed, with your feet flat on the floor. Interlock your fingers and reach forward, bending from your middle back. Stretch with your hands forward at shoulder level. You should feel the stretch between your shoulder blades.
Neck Stretch
Relax your shoulders and gently move your left ear towards your left shoulder, using your left arm to help. Only stretch as far as feels comfortable. Hold for 15-20 seconds and slowly repeat on the other side.
Shoulder Stretch
Relaxing your shoulder blades back and down, reach one arm across your body and gently use your other arm to deepen the stretch. Hold for 15-20 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Standing Exercises
Hopefully by now you’re beginning to feel more awake and your eyelids are slowly starting to open. When you’re ready, stand up and complete your final stretches.
Side Stretch
Stand with your feet hip-width apart and clasp your hands above your head. Gently lean your body to one side, feeling a deep stretch along the side of your body. Hold for 10-15 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Standing Quad Stretch
Stand up straight and hold onto the wall or a chair if you need to. Keep your feet hip-width apart. Reach back and grab your left foot with your left hand. Keep your thighs lined up next to each other and your left leg in line with your hip. Feel the stretch in your left thigh and hips. Repeat with your right leg.
Hamstring Stretch
Stand upright and gently bend one knee as if you’re going into a sitting position. Place the opposite leg outright, pointing your toes towards the ceiling. Bend forward from your hips to feel a nice stretch along the back of your outstretched leg. Hold for 10-15 seconds and then repeat with your other leg.
Calf Stretch
Placing your hands on a wall for support, step back on one leg and gently push your heel towards the ground, feeling a nice stretch along the back of your calf. Hold for 10-15 seconds and repeat on your opposite leg.
Time To Start Your Day
It’s important to listen to your body each day and take these stretches at your own pace. Don’t be disheartened if you’re not very flexible at first. With regular practice, your body should become more relaxed and each day you’ll be able to reach that little bit further.
Daily stretches are a great way to feel fitter and help you make healthier decisions throughout the day.
Follow up your morning routine with a healthy breakfast, CollaSlim meal replacement shakes are high protein, and low calorie and help you stay full all day.