Stretching

by Cameron Greene March 12, 2021

It's important to stretch every day. Why you may ask? Stretching may help improve your circulation which will increase blood flow to your muscles which will shorten your recovery time, reduce muscle soreness, and may increase your flexibility. Stretching is also said to help improve posture, heal and prevent back pain, and stress relief.

 

The best full body stretches to do and how to do them:

 

1. Quad Stretch

1. Stand upright and bend one leg back, grabbing the top of that foot.
2. Bring your foot as close to your butt as possible while keeping your bent knee inline with your other knee.
3. Push your hips forward for a deepened stretch.
4. Hold onto a wall for balance if needed and repeat on the other leg.

2. Hamstring Stretch

1. Stand upright, bending one knee and extending the other out straight in front of you about 6 inches.
2. Make sure you are bending at the hips and keeping your back straight.
3. Lower your chest down until you feel a stretch in the back of the extended leg.

3. Thigh Stretch

1. Sit up straight on the ground with knees bent and soles of your feet touching one another.
2. Grasp your feet with you hands.
3. Gently push down on your knees with your elbows to deepen the stretch.

4. Hip Stretch

1. Lie on your back and bend both knees with your feet flat on the floor.
2. Bring your left knee closer to your chest and bend it at 90 degrees so your calf crosses over your body.
3. Bring your right knee towards your chest, making contact with the ankle or shin of your left leg.
4. Wrap your hands around your right leg and pull it closer to your body, deepening the stretch.

5. Chest and Shoulder Stretch

1. Stand up straight or sit on a surface so that your legs are at a 90 degree angle.
2. Clasp your hands together behind your back so that your arms are extended behind you.
3. Lift your hands to the ceiling to stretch your chest and shoulders.

6. Upper Back Stretch

1. Stand up straight or sit on a surface so that your legs are at a 90 degree angle.
2. Place one hand on top of the other with arms straight in front of you.
3. Press your arms away from your body.

7. Bicep Stretch

1. Lift your arms straight out to the sides of you.
2. Make a thumbs up with both hands and rotate your thumbs down and then back up until they are pointing to the back of you.

8. Tricep Stretch

1. Raise one arm straight above you, then bend your elbow so that your forearm is behind your head.
2. Gently push your bent elbow back with your other hand.

9. Shoulder Stretch

1. Take one arm and extend it across your body.
2. Gently press and pull your extended arm to deepen the stretch.

10. Side Stretch

1. Raise your arms straight above you and clasp your hands together.
2. Push your hands up and then over to each side of you.

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