Try these 4 stretches for boosting your energy in the morning
The gym might be closed, but you can still get your body moving! Join fitness instructor Jeremy Park and In The Know for an at-home workout that will get your heart pumping and have sweat flying in your living room — not to mention, get your muscles toned and tight.
Think about it: One of the first things you do in the morning after opening up your eyes is probably a quick stretch as you yawn. It’s only natural after assuming a stationary position for roughly eight hours.
According to Sci Show, that stretch and yawn combo actually has a scientific name and it’s called pandiculating. It loosens up and realigns your muscles, helps wake up your circulation and gets your blood flowing.
Nicholas Licameli, a physical therapist at Professional Physical Therapy, also told Elite Daily that stretching in the morning can “decrease stress before the day” by activating your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for your body’s ability to rest and digest.
So, jumpstart your morning with this simple stretching workout to help wake up your muscles, boost your energy and destress. It will take about 10 minutes or a little more if you really want to savor the stretches.
1. Lunge Spine Rotation (4 sets, 10 reps)
Start in a high plank position, then move one foot forward to get into a runner’s lunge. Try to get the elbow on the same side as your bent leg to touch the ground if you can to really feel the stretch, then with that same arm twist to reach towards the ceiling. Switch legs and repeat for one rep.
2. Downward Dog (4 sets, 12 reps)
Start in a plank position and lift your backside to the ceiling to create an A-frame, stretching the calves behind your and arms forward. Then, with control, dip your body down through a push-up position into an upward dog, keeping your thighs off of the ground. That’s one rep.
3. Bridge Throughs (4 sets, 10 reps)
Start on the floor in a table top position with your hands directly below your shoulders and your knees below your hips. Then, keeping one hand on the floor, stretch your other hand through to the other side, twisting your body. Switch sides and repeat for one rep.
4. Shoulder Pull-Backs (3 sets, 10 reps)
Standing up, lock your fingers behind you and pull your shoulders back, opening up your chest and looking up. That’s one rep.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also enjoy reading about where to find easy-to-use fitness equipment for feeling the burn at home.
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