I’ve always been one of those night owls who have trouble waking up early to do anything productive.
Take it from Dana VanPamelen, co-founder of Hit House in New York City.
Here’s the thing, though.
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I didn’t want to do just any stretches.
This means we literally have to “recover” from our rest period.
Moving in the morning reduces stiffness, alleviates common aches and pains, and loosens chronically tight muscles.
It’s also a great routine to align proper posture for the day ahead," she says.
Knees-to-Chest Stretch
According to Rausch, this classic stretch is a great one to start with.
“This movement also safely stretches the lower back and helps reduce lower-back pain.
The first four here grant us this luxury.)
The supine twist “targets your back, hips, and glutes in one fell swoop.
Additionally, twists help massage the organs, release toxins, and strengthen the abdominal muscles.”
Supine Butterfly Stretch
“I love this stretch because it just feels very open.
When we are open, we are more willing to give and receive,” says Rausch.
Not to mention, this pose has been known to relieve fatigue and increase overall energy levels.”
Wondering where it got its name?
It has you dynamically alternating between two postures, each reminiscent of one of the animals.
The fact that it feels great also makes it an easy sell (even for dog lovers!).
You’ll open your chest, stretch your hamstrings, and elongate your spine.
After these stretches, you’ll feel so much better about your daytake it from me.
Not to be a broken record, but do go slow.
Rausch reminds us to listen to our bodies and learn our limits.
“Always use the breath.
“Performing even one stretch a morning is beneficial to you physically and mentally,” Bullock says.
“Hold the pose!
So many of us do not give enough time for the body to respond to the stretch.
