5 Morning Stretches to Kickstart Your Day

Feeling stiff lately? Research has shown that it is best to move for approximately three minutes for every 30-60 minutes you spend sitting/standing. It can help improve your body posture, clear your mind, boost metabolism, your mood, and more. But, it always feels like there’s never enough time for that! Luckily, there are both big and small steps that you can take to promote a healthier lifestyle. Kickstart your day with these 5 simple morning stretches:

1. Cat-Cow Stretch

Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Inhale as you arch your back and lift your head and tailbone towards the ceiling, then exhale as you round your spine and bring your chin towards your chest. Repeat for several breaths.

2. Forward Fold

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and fold forward at the hips, reaching your hands towards the ground or your shins. You can bend your knees as much as you need to in order to feel a stretch in your hamstrings.

3. Standing Quad Stretch

Stand on one leg and bring your heel towards your buttocks, holding onto your foot with one hand for balance. Keep your knees close together and your hips level. Hold for several breaths, then switch legs.

4. Seated Spinal Twist

Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and cross your right foot over your left leg, placing it flat on the ground outside your left thigh. Place your left elbow on the outside of your right knee and twist to the right, looking over your right shoulder. Hold for several breaths, then switch sides. You can also do this stretch while seated in a chair (click to see video)!

5. Child’s Pose

Start on your hands and knees, then bring your hips back towards your heels and rest your forehead on the ground. Stretch your arms out in front of you or rest them by your sides. Hold for several breaths.