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5 Stretches to gently wake up the body in the morning

 





Have you thought of developing a morning routine? 
What you do in the morning is a reflection of your entire day, so why not make it a positive and productive experience?

 Maybe you already have a spiritual practice as soon as you open your eyes or maybe you get up and rush 
to get some coffee. 
Either way, implementing stretches to your morning will wake up your body and help you feel energized for the rest of the day. 

Today I' d like to share my top five stretches that you can implement every morning to feel rejuvenated and ready
 for the day ahead. 


Stretch #1: Standing Vertical Stretch  
This exercise opens everything up and can actually elongate your spine, giving you better posture. Because of this, it can actually help make you appear taller over time. 
Stand tall, feet hip-distance apart.
Reach your arms overhead, interlace your fingers, palms up. 
Inhale, stretch left, exhale. 
Inhale back to center
Exhale second side. 
Repeat 8-10 times.


Stretch #2: Standing Toe Touch 

The best stretch ever for your hamstring muscles. 
Stand tall, feet hips-distance apart 
Inhale, reach arms overhead
Exhale, hinge forward
if you cradle your arms and just let them hang while bent over, it feels amazing! 
Alternate having your hand by your back and hanging. 
Do this stretch for at least 30-45 seconds. 
Don’t worry if you don’t reach the floor, you will over time. 


Stretch #3: Downward Dog  
A classic stretch, the multivitamin of all poses.
Start from table top, stretch one leg back and then the second, lift glutes up, press heels back, bring shoulder blades down and back, melt heart to chest
Breathe
 Hold 15/30 seconds
Don't worry about having your legs straight at first, 
this will improve over time. 


Stretch #4: Cobra 
From downward facing dog, come forward into plank, 
bend knees and elbows
slide the body forward
lift chest slightly up,
belly on the floor. 
For a stronger version once in plank
bend elbows only (no knees) 
and repeat the other steps.
 Repeat 5-7 times


Stretch #5: Open the Chest 
Lock your fingers behind you and stick your chest out while doing so
Pull your shoulder blades together at the same time for a healthy and productive stretch. 
The tighter you squeeze your shoulder blades, 
the deeper the stretch. 
This is super empowering because you're opening up your body to take on the day ahead! 
Hold this stretch for 15/30 seconds.


Remember to always listen to your body, while practicing these stretches, especially if you have any back or muscle issues.

Start slowly and slowly watch the progress you are making.


Naturally waking up your body will help you feel energized not just in the morning but for the rest of the da, as well. 


If you have any questions on the stretches or if you’re interested in booking a virtual yoga session, contact me at moveyourspirityoga.com 
or book a session here: https://www.moveyourspirityoga.com/yoga-meditation/. 

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