Top 4 Morning Stretches

Instead of hitting the snooze button in the morning, take the extra 10 minutes to stretch. It's a great way to energize in the morning and ease away any stress or tension from the previous day or a funky sleeping position.

As a fitness instructor, I always recommend to stretch after a workout, but personally, morning stretches has changed the way I feel and start my day. 

Try this easy stretching sequence when you wake up to get your blood flowing and your body primed for the day.

NECK STRETCH

Find a comfortable position to seat to kneel down and start by moving your head slowly to the front and back. Do this 10 times, then start moving your head from left to right, like if you were saying "no". Repeat 10 times. 

For a deeper stretch, turn your neck to the left, like if you were looking up, then place your right hand in your head and press gently down. Stay here for 10-15 seconds. Repeat on the other side. Total of 4 times on each side. 

It is a great way to take the stress out of your neck and relax your muscles.

UPWARD STRETCH

On the same seating position, bring your right hand over your left side, like if you were reaching for the sky. Try to your arm far away up, instead lowering it down. You should feel the right side of your torso elonging and stretching. If you need to modify, place your left hand on the floor for support. Stay here for 10 deep breaths, then change to the left side and repeat 5 times on each side. 

Then rase both arms up towards the sky; Lace your fingers together and raise your hands above your head, palms facing upward. Elongate your spine and feel the stretch in your ribcage and arms. Hold for 10 deep breaths, then repeat 2 more times. 

This is a great stretch to get the blood flowing and awake your body. 

HAMSTRING STRETCH

On the same seating position, extend your left leg to the side and stretch your right arm over your head while you bring your left hand as close to your left foot. If you can't reach your foot, place your hand over your shin. Stay here for 10 deep breaths then change to the right side, and repeat 4 times. 

Then bring both legs infront of you, and this time try to touch your toes with both hands. Don't worry to much of bringing your chest down but think of elonging your spine. Stay here for 10 deep breaths and repeat two more times. 

ABDOMINAL AND LOW BACK STRETCH

This stretch is well known in yoga as cobra. It is tipically use to stretch your lower back, but it has also great benefits for your abdominals and opening your chest. 

Begin by lying in the ground with your hands next to your chest. Gently press up with your hands and start straighten your elbows, letting your back arch. Keep your abdominals relax, and straighten your elbows as much as you can. Stay here for 10 deep breahts, then repeat 5 times.