Getting out of bed is hard, especially now during COVID when everything is practically closed. Really hard. I mean 5 snoozes hard but we must Get up, Get out of bed and STRETCH!! Thankfully there are a few ways to help us get more energy in the morning, but arguably the best way to boost your energy in the morning? Exercise.
(Destiny is wearing our Gris Tie Dye Sweat Set)
This only takes five minutes and you can do these in the comfort of your own room and in your PJ's. Here are six morning stretches and exercises to boost your energy....
1. Dancing dog
The first pose is 'dancing dog', which sounds incredibly fun, though doesn't actually require a happy dog. Basically, start in downward dog (an energy-boosting pose to begin with) and undulate your body forward to transition to plank position.
Reverse back to downward dog and repeat this pose for one minute. This wave-like move will definitely get your heart rate going and energise a half-asleep body.
2. Hip opener
Next, move back into downward dog and extend and raise one leg behind you. Once you've reached your high point, bend your raised leg and draw your heel toward the bum. Try to keep your shoulders squared with the front of your mat. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the other leg.
This pose opens the hips and stretches the back, which get tight while sleeping and sitting all day, as well as strengthens your back, shoulders, arms and legs.
3. Long lunge
To get the glutes working, move into a low lunge position, with your front foot directly underneath your front knee and back leg extended straight behind you. From this position, bend your straight leg to tap your knee on the ground, and extend long. Repeat for one minute and switch legs.
4. Quad stretch
Many of us have tight quads, especially in the morning, so kind pigeon pose is perfect for stretching the quads and hamstrings.
From the lunge position, place your back leg on the mat/towel, bend and draw your heel toward the bum. Reach for your foot with the hand opposite to the leg behind you. From here, either stay in this starting position, or slowly and gently draw your heel closer to your bum with your hand.
5. Walking plank
To get the abs and whole body warmed up, get yourself into plank position and move one leg up, next to and outside your hand on the same side. You will be in a lunge-like position. From here, stretch up your arm on the same side toward the ceiling. Bring it down and repeat pose on the other leg.
Move from one side/leg to another as fast or slow as you like for 30 seconds to one minute.
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