One of the best ways to gently wake up your body and mind each morning is by stretching. And if you’ve ever wondered, “What are some of the best stretches for the morning?”, you’re in the right place! We’ll share a few of the best so you can wake up and feel refreshed every day.
It’s normal to feel a little bit stiff in the morning, so stretching is a great way to ease into the day. It also helps you start the day with a relaxed body and mind, in addition to promoting good circulation. Here are some stretches you can try:
- Knees To Chest
- Seated Forward Fold
- Cobra Stretch
- Yogi Squat
In the rest of this article, we’ll walk you through each stretch so you can do it safely and with confidence. So, roll out of bed, pull out a yoga mat, and let’s get started!
4 Best Stretches For The Morning
Knees To Chest
Start by lying on your back, legs extended long. Now, draw both knees up into your chest and give them a little squeeze. Let your spine relax and curve slightly so you get a gentle stretch through your back.
Next, let your left leg extend long on the mat and keep your right knee pulled into your chest. Squeeze it, then shift your bent leg around in its socket. You can draw little circles with your knee, gently pull your leg toward the side or the center of your body, or whatever else feels good. Repeat on the left leg.
Seated Forward Fold
Sit up tall and balanced on top of your sitz bones, with a long spine. Now, lean forward and let your upper body drape over your legs. If this feels too intense, you can bend your knees and even put a pillow beneath them. Or, if you’d like a deeper stretch, keep your legs as straight as possible.
To keep the stretch in your hamstrings, relax or point your feet. To move the stretch into your calves, flex your feet. Hold this stretch anywhere from 30 to 90 seconds.
Cobra Stretch
Lie on your stomach, hands directly underneath your shoulders. Now, float your head and upper body up toward the ceiling, while simultaneously sliding your hands forward until your elbows are directly underneath your shoulders. If this feels like enough of a stretch, simply hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds.
If you’d like a deeper stretch, extend your arms all the way. In either position, make sure your abs stay engaged so your lower back is supported. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds.
Yogi Squat
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and toes turned slightly out. Then, bend your knees and squat as deeply as is comfortable. Allow your heels to release from the floor if necessary. Place your palms together and gently press your elbows into your thighs. Hold this position for 20 to 45 seconds.
Do all or a few of these stretches every morning to get your body moving. Remember to stay hydrated for the quickest muscle recovery!
