There are numerous benefits if you stretch every body part. Stretching is known to help prevent injuries, improve blood circulation, lower stress, and improve flexibility, which in turn helps improve movement. By simply spending 5 to 10 minutes stretching your muscles daily, you can reap all these benefits and feel better in no time.
Although anyone can stretch almost all body parts without any particular restrictions, it is recommended that you listen to your body and not perform a stretch that feels painful. Spend about half a minute on each of these exercises in order to get maximum benefit from them. You can also extend the duration of the exercises to one minute. If you have an existing injury, it is wiser to let that injury heal before attempting any stretches in case you worsen the pain.
Stretches for the Arm
Before you start stretching your arms, make sure you have warmed up for at least five minutes by performing some light exercises, such as walking. Once you feel all the muscles have been warmed up and your body feels warm as well, start stretching. In order to stretch every body part, you should begin with arm stretches.
To perform this stretch, you should lift your right arm, bending it at the elbow, and move it behind your head. From there, try reaching for the back of your left arm. Your right arm should form a V behind your head. Now move your left hand and clasp the right elbow behind your head, then extend the stretch by pushing it farther toward the left shoulder. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and then repeat on the other arm.
Stretches for the Side of the Waist
Next up are the stretches for the sides of the waist, which should be done by standing with your legs together and arms at the waist. Simply raise your right hand, forming it into a loose fist, and reach above your head, leaning toward the left side of the body. You should feel this stretch on the side of the body. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds before moving to the other side of the waist with your other arm.
Stretches for the Legs
Move on to the stretches for the leg once you are satisfied with the waist stretch. Hold a Warrior 1 stance, which can be done by moving your right leg forward, bending at the knee, and extending your left leg straight backward at the knee. Now, placing both of your arms on your front leg, gently bend your torso from the hip and bring it closer to the right leg as much as you can. Make sure your left foot is pushing into the floor; it should not be lifted. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and then repeat on the other leg.
These are the most basic exercises to stretch every body part. By practicing these stretches, you will slowly improve your flexibility so that you can go deeper into the stretches without experiencing the tightness you currently do.
