The Ultimate Morning Stretch Routine for a Great Day

Stretching before a workout has many benefits. A 5-10-minute stretching routine before exercise is usually enough to warm up the muscles you plan to use. Stretching before a workout has three main benefits: improved blood flow, enhanced flexibility, and increased workout effectiveness.

5 stretches to do in the morning
Here are the best stretches to help you start your day feeling refreshed and ready:

Neck stretch

• An easy stretch to relax your neck is to tilt it to one side.
• Gently tilt it to the left, holding for 15 to 20 seconds.
• Tilt it to the right and hold for the same amount of time. For maximum benefit, repeat it five times.
• This workout greatly reduces any tension in the neck area and improves neck mobility.
• Shoulder roll
• Roll your shoulders back and forth in a circular motion for 15 to 20 seconds, and then repeat this five times to relax the shoulders and improve upper body mobility.

Arm swing

• By involving the upper body muscles in a dynamic stretching exercise, arm swings are extremely effective.
• This exercise prepares the muscles, tendons and joints for action.
• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and swing your arms in a circular motion, gradually increasing the size of the circles for 20 seconds. Repeat.

Trunk twist

• Straighten your back, place your hands on your waist and spread your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Try turning the shoulder 90 degrees to one side.
• Repeat for the other side, pausing briefly on each side.

Cat-Cow Stretch

• Get down on your knees and position your hands as the starting point of a cat-cow stretch.
• Inhale as you lift your head and back (cow pose) and arch your back.
• Then slowly, roll your shoulders back and tuck your chin in (cat pose) as you exhale.
• Repeat this sequence for 30 seconds, and you can do five sets of this.

Child pose

• Return your weight to your heels while kneeling and extend your arms out in front of you on the floor.
• Lower your head so that it touches the ground or, if you can't, lower it as low as possible.
• Stay in this position for about 20 seconds.
• This stretch relieves back and shoulder tension.