We all want to wake up feeling rested and re-energized. Sometimes, no matter how well you slept, aches and pains may lead you to wake up stiff and sore. This stiffness can stick around all day, making it difficult to be alert and productive. Not only is flexibility important, but morning stretches can counteract the pain, allowing you to go forward with your day. You’ll be surprised by the reinvigorating feeling experienced when setting aside fifteen minutes to stretch your muscles. In the end, you’ll feel more awake, feel motivated, and maybe even skip that cup of coffee.  

1. Start Easy – Child’s Pose

If you are familiar with yoga, then you understand how this simple pose plays a significant role within your stretching routine. This pose gently stretches everything from your spine to thighs and even your hips and arms. It’s also a great exercise if you slept “funny” or feel any aches. Best of all, a yoga mat or some padding on the floor is all you need.

2. Keeping it Easy – Reclining Spine Twist

The reclining spine twist can be dangerous if you quickly fall back asleep, but it’s one of the best stretch therapy poses so stay awake! Lay on your mat and place one leg over the other. Then position your legs to one side and your torso to the other stretching out your arms in the process. You want to twist and really reach with your shoulder. Not only is it one of the best backstretch, it also opens up your lungs, really waking you up in the mornings.

3. Warming Up – Upward Facing Dog to Downward Facing Dog

Now it’s time to get moving a little. Upward and downward facing dog lift and open your chest, lengthen your spine, and stretch out your shoulders. Start by, turning over and getting into an upward facing dog position using your shoulder to push your neck and back up thinking of an L shape. From here work into down dog positioning all the way through until you form nearly a triangle with the floor. Here you want to work your thighs and other muscles. Switch back and forth, and if you are feeling up to it, you can do a push up as you go in between positions.

4. Feeling Good – Windmills

The windmill is yet another yoga pose that increases spinal flexibility and improves posture. This pose is one of the best stretches for upper back. After working through upward and downward facing dog, work your way to a standing position. Spread your legs wide along with your arms. Then bring your right hand down to your left foot and repeat for the other side. Here you are opening up your arm, back and neck muscles and getting your heart rate up. You don’t need to go too fast, just a solid pace going back and forth between 20-30 times.

5. Finish Up – Forward Bend

After going through the process for morning stretches, you should be pretty warmed up. This position is a perfect opportunity to dive into a deeper stretch. You have the option of a forward bend reaching to the floor. If you are feeling a little groggy, you can sit on the ground and reach your arms forward. Remember, the forward bend is more of a long, activating stretch. Challenge yourself to inch as far as you can.

The Best Morning Stretches

There’s no better way to start the day than with some morning stretches. Stretches get you ready for work, exercise or even just hanging out and relaxing. If you want to go even further and do more to improve your health, contact one of our stretch specialists. Our stretch practitioners give you expert advice on the best techniques for you. Whether you suffered an injury or are looking to reach a higher fitness level, our practitioner-assisted stretching programs can help. So get out there and start stretching!

Learn How You Can Benefit From Stretching Therapy