This mindful movement 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 will probably find are the 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.
6 minutes a day - to happier hips, better posture and greater flexibility!
Mindfully,
Merran
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