5 Easy Morning Post-Exercise Stretches You Must Do Daily For Quick Weight Loss

Morning stretches not only keep you fit and active throughout the day but also boost weight loss by increasing metabolism, circulation, and flexibility. According to experts, for better and more effective workouts, post-exercise morning stretching is the best as it also reduces the risk of workout injuries, which can be the biggest hamper in your weight loss journey.

Regular stretching can bring in flexibility, which helps your body move more comfortably, and increase in movement overall. Increased daily movement also helps you balance your energy input and output, which is necessary for reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.

Simple stretching exercises you must do daily for Weight Loss
There are a few simple stretches you can easily do when you get out of bed every morning or after you have completed a cardio or strength training exercise. These will help to ease up your joints and start your day with healthy movement. A few of them can also be done at work.

Cat-cow stretch
Also known as Chakravakasana or Marjariasana, this yoga stretch helps tone your core and trim tummy fat. It is also great to alleviate back pain, improve posture, and increase flexibility in the neck, shoulders, and spine.

Cat-cow stretch is done gently and usually warms your body. Be on your hands and knees, with your wrists parallel to your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Start by inhaling as you arch your back and look up toward the ceiling in a cow pose. Now exhale while rounding your spine and tucking your chin to your chest in a cat pose. Repeat the movement slowly for at least 10-15 breaths for quick results.

Chest opener For those who sit at a desk throughout the day, this is the best stretching exercise they should indulge in daily. It opens your chest which can otherwise become tight and weak. To do this, simply clasp your hands behind your back and straighten your arms while lifting your chest towards the ceiling. Hold for 15-30 seconds, focusing on opening the chest and shoulders. Repeat the same for at least 3-4 times.

Downward facing dog
Also known as adho mukha svanasana, this is also a yoga stretch that stretches your entire body, with a special focus on hamstrings, calves, shoulders, and back. According to studies, this yoga asana improves strength and flexibility in the back muscles of your body, apart from relieving tension in the neck and back, and improving blood flow.

To conduct this stretch, position yourself on your hands and knees, and slowly lift your hips towards the ceiling. Press your hands into the ground firmly with your heels towards the floor, while keeping your spine long. Hold the pose for at least 15-20 seconds, breathing deeply and slowly.

Inner thigh stretch
It is always important to stretch your hips and inner thighs to strengthen your back area and core in the long run. To do this stretch:

Sit straight and bring the soles of your feet together in front of your body so that your legs form a diamond shape. Now start tilting forward from the hips, bringing your chest closer to the floor. Stop where you are not able to bend any further and hold the pose for at least 25-30 seconds while breathing slowly.

Side stretch
Side stretch targets obliques, intercostal muscles, and shoulders and helps you tone and strengthen this area. Experts believe stretching the intercostal muscles improves lung function and respiratory efficiency as well. And so, to do this properly, stand straight with your feet hip-width apart and raise your arms, clasping your hands together. Start by leaning to the left, and keep your shoulders relaxed away from your ears. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds, then repeat on the left side 4-5 times.