The best morning stretch routine to start your day

This yoga flow is a regular staple to my mornings these days. It targets the tightest points of my body - the hips and glutes, back and hamstrings - which you might find are tight points for yourself too.

Make sure you are warm and cozy before starting this routine. I like to go for a morning walk and settle down to do this once I get home.

Take these movements slowly. This video is around 3 minutes for the one side (you need to do both sides to even out the body, of course!)

My favourite morning stretching routine breakdown:

- Cat/cow stretches (inhale to look up, exhale to look at the knees)

- Downward facing dog, peddle out the feet to target the hamstrings

- 3 legged downward facing dog (left leg)

- Pigeon pose (left knee forward, foot close to body), advanced option: King pigeon pose (holding back foot in same side hand)

- Bend the back knee and lean backwards on elbows or back (keep knees to floor or add block under left knee)

- Side stretch (right leg)

- Uncrossed lotus pose/cross legged (right leg in front) forward fold to elbows, side stretch away from front leg

- Return to Pigeon pose (King pigeon holding with opposite side hand)

- Return to 3 legged downward facing dog (left leg), leg kicks and hip opener.

Repeat all again starting with the right leg.

All it takes is 6 minutes a day - to happier hips, better posture and a more flexible you.

Mindfully,

Merran