Age Recommendation: All Age Groups
Length of Activity: 30 minutes
Supplies Needed: None!
Studies have shown that stretching has many positive effects on the body. For instance, research has shown that stretching has been shown to increase flexibility and decrease the risk of injuries. For more information on the positive effects of stretching, visit this website.
Here are some stretches you can try out:
-
Lunge and Twist
-
Start with your feet together and take a big step with your right foot. Drop your left knee just before it touches the ground. While holding this position, twist your upper body left and right. Repeat ten times for each side.
-
BENEFIT: Lunges stretch the hip flexors while strengthening other muscles.
-
-
Butterfly Leg Stretch
-
Sit on the ground in a criss-cross position. Bring the soles of your feet together and sit upright, holding this position for twenty seconds. Extend your right leg out towards your right while moving your left foot so it touches the thigh of your right leg. Lean towards the right leg while trying to reach your right foot with your hands. Hold this position for ten seconds and repeat with your left leg.
-
BENEFIT: Butterfly position stretches your hip adductors and your hamstrings.
-
-
Knee to Chest
-
Bring your right knee to your chest and hold it for ten seconds. Repeat with your left knee and perform the stretch ten times on each side.
-
BENEFIT: Knee to chest helps stretch muscles in your hips and lower back.
-
-
Child’s Pose
-
Kneel on the ground and sit on your feet. Extend your hands as far forward as possible while keeping your head down and ensuring you remain sitting on your feet. Hold for thirty seconds.
-
BENEFIT: Child’s pose stretches muscles in your thighs, ankles, hips, as well as some of the muscles in your back torso.
-
-
Bridge Pose
-
Lay flat on your back with your hands by your side. Slide your feet up so your legs form a curve. Bring your back up so only your shoulders touch the ground and position your hands to support you. Hold this position for twenty seconds.
-
BENEFIT: Bridge pose helps stretch muscles in your thighs, hips, neck, and spine.
-
-
For more stretches, visit here. Enjoy!
Here is a video demonstration of all of the stretches:
IMAGE CREDITS:
Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash (Top Photo)
Photo by Timo Volz on Unsplash (Bottom Photo)
