If you have had a long night's rest, you should feel refreshed in the morning. One normal response to waking up in the morning is to give your body a nice long stretch to rejuvenate the senses and promote flexibility in the joints. Go beyond the initial early morning stretch and incorporate more extensive stretching into your morning routine to see the most benefits.
Increased Blood Flow
When you stretch in the morning, you are increasing the blood flow to your muscles -- including your brain. This helps stimulate your senses and can also help keep your concentration levels sharp. In some cases, this burst of blood flow to the muscles can help give you energy first thing in the morning. This can help prevent tiredness and lethargy in the early AM hours. A good stretch can help all of your vital organs, including your heart, putting less strain on it throughout the day.
Muscle Relaxation
Stretching first thing in the morning can help make your muscles more flexible -- this leads to overall muscle relaxation. Muscle tightness can lead to discomfort, cramping and pain. Stretching allows the fibers of your muscles to warm up and relax, reducing the risk of injury. If you are already facing pain such as back pain from an injury or disease, stretching can help mobilize your spine and the surrounding soft tissue. This will improve your overall range of motion and fluidity within your joints.
Workout Preparation
If you workout routinely, you should start prepping your body as soon as you are awake. Stretching in the morning will prepare you for physical activity, especially if you plan to work out vigorously. Familydoctor.org explains that each time you run a mile, your feet absorb 110 tons of energy. This puts excessive strain on your feet and legs. Do a hamstring stretch and a calf stretch. Stretch your quadriceps by grasping one foot and pulling it back up to your buttocks. These stretches will help prevent muscle injury.
Improved Athletic Performance
Stretching in the morning can also improve your overall athletic performance throughout the entire day. The American Council on Exercise notes that stretching makes you more flexible in preparation for your favorite sport. When stretching, remember to start slowly and exhale as you stretch each muscle group. Hold each stretch between 10 and 30 seconds and do not stretch muscles that are tight or injured. You don't need to spend more than 10 minutes a day stretching in the morning to improve your overall physical health.
