Every morning (nearly) I start the day with 5-10 minutes of stretching. It has a profound effect slowly but surely improving posture and energy whilst reducing stress and pain. It’s amazing how we look after so many of the objects that fill our lives but often overlook the most important – our bodies. It’s also an act of self love, sending a message of positive self respect and value to ourselves.
This routine covers most areas of the body. It will gently open up the low back and stretch import postural muscles like the hamstrings, quads and deep hip flexors like psoas. It stretches out the ribs and thorax and helps improve diaphragmatic breathing.
Remember that our bodies take time to soften up in the mornings so it’s preferable to have been up and about for at least 30 minutes before stretching. Choose a comfortable area of floor (carpet or rugs), make sure you’re warm and maybe use a pillow under your head. Take your time and stay mindful with the breath – let it soften areas of tightness and pain. Breathe into the areas of discomfort and don’t force anything.
You should start to feel a difference very quickly and this will slowly build with time. Hopefully you’ll get to a point where you’ll be wanting to do more each day.
More exercises will be appearing here from my stretch studio in Newton Abbot.
[…] plan. More exercises can be found on the News page. Have you looked at my Core Stability or Daily Routine […]