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Best Stretching Exercises to Start Your Day With

People always look for different ways to help them wake up in the morning. Coffee is the most common thing used to fight off sluggishness and start the day on the right foot. However, there are other things you can do to get rid of the morning fog.

Stretching can be an excellent way to ease yourself into the day gently. It can help you relax, clear your mind, improve flexibility, reduce back pain, and get your blood flowing. 

Read on to learn about the best stretching exercises you can do in the morning.

Vertical and Side Stretch

To perform this exercise:

  1. Stand on the floor with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Extend both of your arms above your head as much as possible and hold the position for several deep breaths.
  3. Repeat a few times.

From the vertical stretch position, lean to the side with one arm directly above the ear. Hold the position for several deep breaths while keeping your knees straight. Return to the starting position and then lean to the other side. Repeat as desired.

Cobra Stretch

You can do a cobra stretch on your bed or the floor. To do it, simply lay on your stomach and place your hands flat beneath your shoulders. Raise your upper part of the body while keeping the elbows close to your sides and your hips firmly on the surface. Stretch as much as you can, but keep your shoulders and neck relaxed.

Once you are in a cobra position, hold for 15-20 seconds, and slowly lower yourself back. You can do several repetitions until your back is fully stretched.

Cat-Cow

Cat-cow is one of the most popular yoga stretches. You start on all fours, with your hands firmly on the ground below your shoulders and your knees beneath your hips. As you inhale, arch your back for the cow while also lifting your head and chest. 

While exhaling, round your back while lowering your head towards the floor. This is called the cat position. Alternate between these positions for 30 seconds.

Glute Bridge

Glute bridge opens your hips, stretches hip flexors, and strengthens your hamstrings and glutes. That is a perfect exercise for people who sit most of the day, so make sure you do it in the morning.

To do this stretch:

  1. Lie on your back, with knees bent and soles flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
  2. Place your arms next to the body, with the palms down.
  3. Slowly lift your hips while engaging your glutes until your body from the knees to your shoulders forms a straight line.
  4. Hold for several seconds and slowly return to starting position.
  5. Repeat 6-10 times.

Neck Stretch

Stretching your neck is a great way to relieve any tension from sleeping in an awkward position. You can do a simple stretch while sitting at the edge of your bed with your feet on the ground. 

Simply rotate your head in a circle, trying to touch the shoulders with your ears. Make five slow rotations and then switch the direction, and do another five.

Where to Get More Stretching Recommendations?

If you are struggling with back, neck, shoulder, or other types of musculoskeletal pain, a good chiropractor can help you get rid of it. And Dr. Scott Bolz and his team are some of the best out there. You can visit them at the Spring Chiropractic center in Spring, Texas.

Schedule an appointment and learn about the best ways to improve your life.