BeWell: Three Morning Stretches That Will Change Your Day
Try these three stretches and see how your mind and body transform from sleepy to motivated.
I start every day with these 3 stretches! The focus is to lengthen and open the body after being compressed all night during sleep. Not only does it prepare my body for the day, but it also boosts energy and motivation.
Not only are these great for the morning, but I love taking a pause from the computer for a reenergizing stretch.
Try these 3 stretches and see how your mind and body transform from sleepy to motivated!
One stretch at a time. Complete for 5 reps, holding the stretch for 10 seconds and then releasing for 10 seconds. Inhaling on the stretch preparation and exhaling as you find depth in the stretch. Continue breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth to release stiffness and muscle tension, noticing your body gain flexibility on each exhale. It is important only to go as far as the initial stretch and never push your body into discomfort.
PHOTOS BY ANNA KESTLER
Side Body Stretch – 5 reps each | each side | Hold each rep for 10 seconds
Back Bend – 5 reps | Hold each rep for 10 seconds
Standing Half Pigeon – 5 reps | Stay on one side, then complete the other side | Hold each rep for 10 seconds.
I am Anna Kestler, born and raised in Pittsburgh, where I co-own a fitness studio, Sweat PGH. I am a fully certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist. My love for fitness started at a young age with basketball and continued into the collegiate level at The College of William & Mary. I love the way fitness can not only transform the body and mind, but how we can use it to break through boundaries and realign to heal ourselves naturally.
