Sometimes, you may feel that your muscles are a little tight or you may have certain aches and pains. That’s when it’s time for a good stretch! Stretching can be helpful for relieving tension, getting the blood flowing to muscles and joints, and opening up your body. There are lots of ways to stretch these days, so we’ll teach you some of our favorite methods.
1. Back Stretch
Stand up straight and have your feet together. Breathe in for 3 seconds and breathe out for 6 seconds. Bend over and put your right hand on the ground, then stretch your left leg behind you as far as you can comfortably go. Hold that position for 20 seconds, breathe in, then bring yourself back to a normal standing position. Next, repeat this exercise but with your left leg stretched behind you instead of your right leg.
2. Hip Flexor Stretch
Stand in front of a wall with your feet together. Breathe in for 3 seconds and then breathe out for 6 seconds.
Pull your belly button towards your spine and stretch the front side of your left thigh straight out to the side, as far as you comfortably can go. Hold that position for 20 seconds, then relax the stretch quickly, breathe in again for 3 seconds, and then relax the stretch again. Repeat this exercise on the other side of your body.
3. Hamstring Stretch
Lie on one side, right leg straight and left leg bent. Breathe in for 3 seconds and breathe out for 6 seconds. Straighten your right leg as much as you can comfortably go and then hold that position for 30 seconds. Repeat this exercise with the other leg stretched out.
4. Shoulder Stretch
Stand up straight with feet together. Breathe in for 3 seconds and out for 6 seconds, pulling your belly button towards your spine. You can either stretch the front side of your right shoulder or the back side of your left shoulder. Hold that position for 20 seconds and then relax the stretch. Repeat this with both sides.
Stretching is a great way to relieve tension, get the blood flowing to your muscles and joints, and open up your body. We hope you enjoy some of these stretches!