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The way you start your morning has a huge impact on your habits and routine for the rest of the day. We all know that missing our first cup of coffee or tea can set us up for feeling a lack of energy, but a healthy morning routine needs so much more than a caffeine boost.
According to health experts, adding in a few simple morning stretches each day can play a huge role in how you feel for the rest of the day – and can even help support weight loss.
"Stretching in the morning should be as routine for us as pouring that first cup of coffee," AAFA-certified group fitness instructor Kim D'Agnese told SheFinds. "It is remarkable how a few simple seconds of rolling your shoulders, lengthening your arms overhead and bending side to side can improve your circulation, help elevate your mood and provide clarity of mind to begin your day."
Stretching helps to reset your body after a night of laying down, preparing you for all of the movements you'll be making the rest of the day. This promotes joint and muscle health, and can prevent injuries and aches.
Stretching in the morning probably won't directly impact weight loss, as stretching is typically a low-energy type of workout. However, morning stretches can support the rest of your diet and exercise regimen by setting up your muscles for success throughout the day.
D'Agnese added, "Stretching improves circulation. Increasing blood flow through the body, especially first thing in the morning, can help set your metabolic rate on the right trajectory. This can definitely help with weight loss, if that's your goal."
D'Agnese recommends a few easy stretches to start your day:
- Cat and Cow: "This stretch gets it all. It lengthens your abdominal wall, loosens up your back and helps release the neck and shoulder area," D'Agnese said.
- Lateral Bends: "This side to side motion will help release tension in the back and hips. If done with awareness and proper connection, it will also be a great morning challenge for the obliques."
- Roll Ups: "This one sets the spine in the right place," D'Agnese explained. "A proper roll up requires a deep core connection. It feels amazing on the lower back and neck. It also has a great mental component to it. As you roll down, think about spilling any negativity off your shoulders. As you roll up, think about stacking your bones to create a spinal column of strength."
