The dynamic benefits of a good morning stretch
The dynamic benefits of a good morning stretch
If you want to put pep in your step first thing in the morning, then be sure to stretch. By stretching first thing in the morning, you’ll be doing your body a huge favor. Body stiffness is an almost universal trait among most adults in the morning. When the alarm goes off and we throw back the covers, our bodies are not exactly in the mood to gracefully jump up out of bed. As we lazily force ourselves to stand up, attempts at walking are even more pitiful as we shuffle around getting ready for the day shaking off stiffness.
This is where a routine of stretching first thing after waking up is perfect for loosening up muscle tightness that can occur during the night. Muscle tightness or stiffness could be a result from the previous day’s exercise or simply a result of your body’s sleeping position. Or another good reason for waking up rigid could be leading a sedentary lifestyle of many hours sitting at a desk all day or infrequent activity.
Why stretching in the morning is beneficial for your body
To shake off grogginess and give your body a boost of limberness, a morning stretch can be just what you need to be ready for the day ahead.
There are several reasons why practicing a full body stretch after waking is important for your body:
· It raises the body’s core temperature which loosens up muscles preparing them for the day’s activity.
· Helps the spine stay supple and agile
· Offers a beneficial break from a hurried-up, frazzled morning routine
· Accelerates the release of mood-enhancing endorphins
· Increases range of motion
· Helps your body reap the benefits of flexibility. Flexibility reverses the effects of daily wear and tear.
· Keeps the body supple as it aids in general mobility and muscle elasticity.
· Helps maintain your current level of flexibility so as you age you don’t become stiffer and stiffer
· It develops body awareness as you stretch various parts of your body getting to know yourself better
· Improves the circulatory system’s ability to deliver nutrients to muscle tissue
· Helps elongate and strengthen the muscles as they become more flexible
· Helps release tension, anxiety and mental stress by improving relaxation
· Enhances posture by strengthening the muscles that support the back
· It can be a welcome mental respite to get your day off on the right foot
· It just feels good
Here are two awesome “have-a-good-day” morning stretch routines to help you get going each and every day: