Stretching can be seen as an underdog work out routine, but it is a great way to keep your wellness up to par daily. Some may think that stretching is unnecessary if they are already flexible but doing so can improve your daily work out regimen! Stretching warms up your body and muscles before starting a workout or it can even cool down your body after a workout! Doing so will allow your body to rejuvenate and release tension that you have built up from either sleeping the night before or from your workout of the day. Stretching can also be a quick little work out if you find yourself to be in a busy, frenzy schedule. Here are some stretches you can do daily either before/after a workout or even as a workout routine!
1. Single leg toe touches: Start off easy by sitting on the floor or a mat and extending one leg. This first step is also a great stretch already! To intensify the stretch, flex your toes towards you and gently bend your upper body towards your toes. This is a great stretch to get rid of tension in your back and hamstrings!
2. Single leg side reaches: Laying on one side, slowly reach the leg that is on top to the sky. Again, this is already a great stretch for beginners. To intensify the stretch, flex your toes towards you and hold it with your arm that is also facing the sky. Support your head by propping it up with your other arm. While this stretches your obliques and legs, it is also strengthen your oblique and mid abs! So while releasing tension in this stretch, you are also working out your abs; amazing. Make sure your knees are not bent for the maximum benefits of this stretch.
3. Hip stretchers: This stretch is a little hard to explain in words but the picture below depicts it pretty well. You are basically going to have one leg in front folded, and the other leg stretch straight out behind you. This stretch will release any tension in your hips. To intensify this stretch, reach both arms above your head. This will work on your balance and also strengthen your ab muscles. Personally for me, leg days at the gym will make my hips feel extremely tight and immobile. Doing this stretch for a couple minutes on both sides will allow you to stretch out those hip flexors and make you feel brand new!
4. Cobra it out! : Start on your belly side and slowly lift your upper body up with your arms. Make sure your arms are at shoulder width and close to your body. Also make sure, that your shoulders are down. This stretch will release tension throughout your entire body. Your lower back, shoulders, upper back, and legs will thank you. You can also rotate your head from side to side to release tension in your neck. I recommend doing this stretch at the end of your workout or even when you are just feeling really tense.
I hope these simple stretches inspires you to take a moment and let your body release its tensions!