From Sharp Health News, a publication of Sharp HealthCare
A morning stretch routine is a great way to jump-start your day. You will get your circulation going, focus your mind and gently wake up your body.
Seated upward stretch. Upward stretches are a great way to wake up your whole body and get the blood flowing.
- Sit cross-legged on the floor.
- Interlace your fingers and raise your hands above your head, palms facing upward.
- Elongate your spine and feel the stretch in your rib cage and arms.
- Take a few deep breaths as you reach from both sides of your torso.
- Relax and repeat one more time.
Forward fold. The forward fold aims to relieve tension from the back and increase the flexibility of the hamstrings and calf muscles.
- Sit on the floor with your legs out straight.
- Bring your arms over your head.
- Begin to fold forward with your arms and shoulders, followed by your back and core.
- Lower your torso as low as you can, and once you find a comfortable depth, relax your shoulders and stay in the pose for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Slowly raise your torso back up to the starting position.
Standing half-moon. This lateral side stretch opens up the side of the body, including the rib cage.
- While standing, lift up your arms toward the sky, interlacing your fingers.
- Stretch upward, then slowly over to the right, grounding through your feet as you reach out.
- Take three deep breaths.
- Relax and slowly move your bent torso back to center
- Repeat on the other side
The VEBA Resource Center offers Full Body Stretch Classes. Join the VRC team for a class that will leave you feeling relaxed, restored and maybe even standing up a bit straighter. Check out our calendar to sign up for an upcoming class.
