One of the best things you can do for your body and your daily outlook is to have a good stretch in the morning. It gets the blood flowing, gets the metabolism fired up, and loosens up muscles to help get rid of stiffness or soreness.
You don’t have to spend a lot of time stretching, and it doesn’t have to be a complete workout like an exercise routine. Just a few minutes of light, regular stretching, will make you feel better and will help keep your muscles more tone.
Start by shaking your arms out. Pretend like you’re trying to shake a piece of sticky gum off of your fingers. March in place for a minute or so to warm up your legs. Once you’re loosened up a bit, begin stretching.
I like to start at the top and work my way down. I reach up toward the ceiling as if I’m trying to touch it. Then, I sway from side to side, making sure to keep my back straight. After that, I do a more concentrated stretch, lifting one arm above my head and reaching to the opposite side until I can feel the muscles in the back of my arms, under my arms, and along my waist and hips stretching. I repeat on the other side after ten to twelve counts. I do several upper body stretches.
Next, I touch my toes with my fingertips at first, and as I loosen up, I start touching my palms to the floor (do this gently until you get used to it). I hold my stomach muscles in and clench my bottom muscles while I reach for the floor.
These are just a couple of my favorites, but you can do any stretches you like. You can concentrate on areas in which you feel the most stiffness, or areas that could use some toning. It feels good and it is a great way to start the day.