If you tend to wake up groggy and are prone to relying on coffee to get yourself moving, incorporating a five-minute stretch routine can be all it takes to really ramp up your morning energy levels and give a fresh start to your day. Stretching not only wakes up tired, stiff muscles but is a natural mood booster and helps to increase blood flow all while elongating muscles, leading to a leaner, toned look. Try this simple 5-minute stretch routine that you can do anywhere!
5 Minute Stretch Routine
Reach for the Sky:
Stand shoulder-width apart with arms relaxed at your side. Bring arms up toward the sky and reach as high as is comfortable while inhaling deeply. Hold there for a count or two. Then as you exhale, slowly bend over and bring hands as close to the ground as is comfortable. Hold for a count of two and repeat reaching upward again. Slowly continue this motion for one minute. Be mindful of your breathing and work in unison with your motions.
Quadricep Stretch:
If necessary you can use a chair or countertop for balance support in this move. Starting on the right side, bring your right foot toward your buttocks while reaching behind your body with your right hand and grabbing onto the right foot. Hold this position for 10 seconds then switch to the left side. Repeat on both sides two more times for a total of one minute.
Chest to Arm Stretch:
To open your chest bring both arms behind your body and clasp hands together reaching back as far as you can. Hold for 10 seconds then release both arms and bring them out to your sides forming a “T” with your body. Next, cross your left arm over your chest and bring your right hand to your left shoulder and hold for 10 seconds. Then repeat on the opposite side crossing the right arm over your chest for a 10-second count. Do the entire circuit one more time for a total of one minute.
Downward Dog to Plank:
Start in a standing position and bend over bringing your hands to the floor, then walk hands outward to form a 90-degree angle with your upper and lower body. Your body should look like an “A” and you should feel a good stretch in your hamstrings and arms. Keep your head down and look between your legs, inhale, and hold for a few counts. As you exhale, lower body toward the floor while rolling slightly forward to form a plank and looking up toward the sky. Hold for a few counts and inhale back to downward dog. Continue for one minute.
The Butterfly:
Now sit on the floor and bring both feet together aligning the soles so they are touching. First, grab both feet or ankles with your hands and slowly roll forward bringing your head as close to your feet as possible. Hold for 10 seconds then slowly release sitting up tall. Next press gently on your thighs with your elbows bringing knees closer to the floor and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat for a total of one minute. Read more