stretching exercises

Best stretching exercises for flexible body:

1: The Runner’s Stretch

(1) 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.

(2) Breathe in, then, in one motion, exhale as you straighten your right leg. Slowly return to the lunge position. Repeat four times. Switch sides.

To succeed with this stretch it’s key to keep all your bits in place, starting with a sports bra. For one that comes with both style and function, you can’t beat Bereli, which is the favorite sports bra of tennis champion Serena Williams. She even rocked this bra while pregnant and winning her last grand slam.

2: The Standing Side Stretch

(1) 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.

(2) 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.

To keep your side and back bends in tip top shape go for a tank that can move with you, like Athleta’s Limitless Keyhole top. The tank is made for medium and high-impact workouts and is ultra-lightweight to keep you cool. Best of all, it comes with plenty of style as well thanks to its strappy back design.

3: The Forward Hang

Stand with your feet hip-distance apart and your knees slightly bent.

(1) 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.

(2) Exhale and bend at your waist, letting your hands stretch toward your head. Hold for five deep breaths.

For maximum stretch potential try Lululemon’s In Movement short that comes with four-way stretch, and is both sweat-wicking and cool to the touch. This way, you can feel more comfortable working out both at home or at any hot yoga class.

4: Back extension stretch

The back extension stretch is fantastic for stretching your back, just make sure that you don’t overextend it. If you feel any pain or discomfort on your neck, you probably went a bit too far.

(1)Lie down on your stomach.

(2)Come up on your elbows keeping your stomach down to the floor.

(3)Then push up on your hands, in a pseudo push-up position, but still keeping your hips on the ground.

(4)Hold it for 30 seconds, repeat 3 times.

5: Seated hamstring stretch

Let’s continue working on the legs with this simple hamstring stretch.

• Sit on the floor with both legs out straight in front of you.
• Extend your arms and lean forward, trying to reach as far as you can, keeping your legs straight.
• Hold for 30 seconds.
• Repeat 3 times.

Note: If you have low back pain, be careful with this move, and avoid any discomfort in the back area.

6:Seated straddle stretch

The seated straddle stretch works on increasing the flexibility on the inner and outer sides of the legs.

(1) Start in a seated position.

(2) Stretch your legs out to the sides as far as you can.

(3) Extend your arms forward as far as you can.

(4) Hold for 30 seconds.

7:Standing Hamstring Stretch

Stand on the ground with your feet hip-width and your hands by your side. Exhale and bend forward lowering your head towards the floor. Make sure to keep your head, neck, and shoulders relaxed. Hold the back of your legs with both your hands for about 45 seconds to two minutes and get back to the normal position.

8: Butterfly Stretch

Sit comfortably on the ground with your back straight and your knees bent. Move your bent knees out to the sides so that the soles of both your legs meet at the centers and the edges lying on the floor. Hold the ankles of both your feet with your hands. Engaging your abs slowly lower your body towards your feet as far as you can. Make sure your knees are towards the floor. Hold the position for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.