Stretching does not require specific equipment or even a change of clothes.
It requires little energy and can be done almost anywhere, at any time.
You can do it before getting out of bed, at work, or while watching TV.
Morning Stretches Start your day off right by waking up your muscles and getting your blood flowing.
Before getting out of bed, wiggle your toes to loosen up a bit and then stretch your legs pointing your toes toward the end of the bed.
For the next few stretches, hold each for a count of 10, and do each one five times.
Sit on the edge of your bed with your feet on the floor.
Bend over, reaching your hands toward your feet.
Remain seated on the edge of your bed with your feet on the floor.
Lift your shoulders up to your ears.
Stand up now.
Lace your fingers together, and raise your hands above your head, with your palms upward and lift toward the ceiling.
Midday stretches Turn your head to the right, lining up the tip of your nose with your shoulder.
Hold for five seconds.
Repeat stretch on the left side.
Repeat activity four more times.
Raise your arms above your head.
Stretch your right hand to the ceiling and hold for five seconds, while you exhale.
Relax, then repeat with left hand.
Continue four more times.
Place your hands on the edge of your desk and roll your chair back.
Lower your head between your outstretched arms and arch your back while you exhale.
Inhale, raise your head, and arch your back in the other direction.
Evening Stretches Get down on all fours with your arms under your shoulders, and your knees under your hips.
Point your toes into the ground.
Arch your back towards the ceiling and hang your neck down, looking at the floor.
Hold for a few seconds.
Then, pull your neck up to look straight ahead.
Switch slowly back and forth between both positions.
Stand with your heels flat on the ground.
Bend over at the hips, slightly bending your knees, and reach to the ground (pretend your head weights 100 pounds and is pulling you down).
Lie on your back with your knees bend, and your heels on the floor.
Hold your arms straight out to the side.
Take a deep breath and slowly lower your knees to the ground, or as far as they will go.
Hold position for three minutes or as long as you are able.
Stretching throughout the day will help keep you loose and flexible, and aid in managing stress.
Note: As with any physical activity, it's a good idea to check with your doctor before beginning an aggressive stretch regimen.
It requires little energy and can be done almost anywhere, at any time.
You can do it before getting out of bed, at work, or while watching TV.
Morning Stretches Start your day off right by waking up your muscles and getting your blood flowing.
Before getting out of bed, wiggle your toes to loosen up a bit and then stretch your legs pointing your toes toward the end of the bed.
For the next few stretches, hold each for a count of 10, and do each one five times.
Sit on the edge of your bed with your feet on the floor.
Bend over, reaching your hands toward your feet.
Remain seated on the edge of your bed with your feet on the floor.
Lift your shoulders up to your ears.
Stand up now.
Lace your fingers together, and raise your hands above your head, with your palms upward and lift toward the ceiling.
Midday stretches Turn your head to the right, lining up the tip of your nose with your shoulder.
Hold for five seconds.
Repeat stretch on the left side.
Repeat activity four more times.
Raise your arms above your head.
Stretch your right hand to the ceiling and hold for five seconds, while you exhale.
Relax, then repeat with left hand.
Continue four more times.
Place your hands on the edge of your desk and roll your chair back.
Lower your head between your outstretched arms and arch your back while you exhale.
Inhale, raise your head, and arch your back in the other direction.
Evening Stretches Get down on all fours with your arms under your shoulders, and your knees under your hips.
Point your toes into the ground.
Arch your back towards the ceiling and hang your neck down, looking at the floor.
Hold for a few seconds.
Then, pull your neck up to look straight ahead.
Switch slowly back and forth between both positions.
Stand with your heels flat on the ground.
Bend over at the hips, slightly bending your knees, and reach to the ground (pretend your head weights 100 pounds and is pulling you down).
Lie on your back with your knees bend, and your heels on the floor.
Hold your arms straight out to the side.
Take a deep breath and slowly lower your knees to the ground, or as far as they will go.
Hold position for three minutes or as long as you are able.
Stretching throughout the day will help keep you loose and flexible, and aid in managing stress.
Note: As with any physical activity, it's a good idea to check with your doctor before beginning an aggressive stretch regimen.
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