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 Best Stretch Workout 


Stretching may not be the most exciting part of working out, but a morning stretch to start your day right or tack on a few stretches after doing your workout.... your back, legs, and arms are sure to thank you later. It will help you improve flexibility, reduce tightness, and ultimately, make your workouts more efficient and safe.

Check out this quick and easy stretching routine from Real Simple 

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Remember, hold each stretch for 10 to 30 seconds and repeat one to two times. Avoid any exercises that cause pain or discomfort and only stretch as deep as you can. The stretch should feel good and shouldn't hurt. If your muscles are shaking, you need to back off a bit and let your muscles relax more.
Runners Stretch
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(A) Step your right foot forward and lower into a lunge, placing your fingertips on the floor or on two firm cushions if your hands don’t reach.

(B) Breathe in, then, in one motion, exhale as you straighten your right leg. Slowly return to the lunge position. Repeat four times. Switch sides.
The Standing Side Stretch
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(A) Stand with your feet together and your arms straight overhead. Clasp your hands together, with your fingers interlaced and pointer fingers extended. Inhale as you reach upward. 

(B) Breathe out as you bend your upper body to the right. Take five slow breaths. Slowly return to the center. Repeat on the left side.
The Forward Hang
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(A) Stand with your feet hip-distance apart. Interlace your fingers behind your back. (If your hands don’t touch, hold on to a dish towel.) Breathe in and straighten your arms to expand your chest. 

(B) Exhale and bend at your waist, letting your hands stretch toward your head. Hold for five deep breaths.
The Low Lunge Stretch
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Step your right foot forward into a lunge and lower your left knee onto the floor or a folded towel or blanket.
 
(A) Bring your arms in front of your right leg and hook your thumbs together, palms facing the floor. 

​(B) Breathe in as you sweep your arms overhead, stretching as far back as is comfortable. Take five deep breaths. Switch sides.
The Seated Back Twist 
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​Sit on the floor with your legs straight.

(A) Bend your right knee and step your right foot over your left leg. Put your right hand on the floor, fingers pointing outward, for support. Bend your left elbow and turn to the right, placing the back of your arm against your right knee. Inhale as you sit tall.

(B) Breathe out as you twist, pressing your arm into your leg and looking over your right shoulder. Hold for five breaths, then slowly return to the center. Switch sides.
The Bound Angle
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Sit on the floor with your legs straight.
 
(A) Bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together, letting your knees drop toward the ground. Hold your shins as you inhale and stretch your chest upward.

(B) Exhale as you hinge forward from your hips (without rounding your back) and place your palms on the ground. Hold for five slow breaths.
At the OLVE,  we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. This site offers health, fitness tips and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Do not start this fitness program if your physician or health care provider advises against it. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain or shortness of breath at any time while exercising you should stop immediately. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk. For more information please see our terms and conditions.  

Photo credit: Chalo Garcia on Unsplash; Exercise illustrations by Jason lee

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