10 Basic Stretches To Do Everyday

ByCaitlin
Happy Tuesday!
Lately I have been noticing that my back and legs have been feeling tight, which isn’t a good thing. I used to be in a good stretching routine that would always help my lower back, hamstrings, etc. Recently I decided that I needed to do what was best for me and my body and get back into my stretching routine. Below is a walk through of my favorite stretching moves. These are great for anyone of any level. I’m not super flexible or anything of that sort either so don’t worry if you aren’t either!
1) Downward Dog

Benefits:
“Downward-Facing Dog energizes and rejuvenates the entire body. It deeply stretches your hamstrings, shoulders, calves, arches, hands, and spine while building strength in your arms, shoulders, and legs.”

-Yoga Outlet

2-3) Cat-Cow

Benefits: 
“Cat-Cow is a gentle flow between two poses that warms the body and brings flexibility to the spine. It stretches the back torso and neck, and softly stimulates and strengthens the abdominal organs. It also open the chest, encouraging the breath to become slow and deep. The spinal movement of the two poses stimulates the kidneys and adrenal glands. Coordinating this movement with your breathing relieves stress and calms the mind.”
– Yoga Outlet

4) Thread The Needle

Benefits:

Thread the Needle Pose stretches and opens the shoulders, chest, arms, upper back, and neck. It releases the tension that is commonly held in the upper back and between the shoulder blades. This pose also provides a mild twist to the spine, which further reduces tension.

– Yoga Outlet

5) Butterfly (also known as Baddha Konasana)

Benefits:
– Yoga Outlet
6) Twists

Note: You can also do twists while sitting like this. The benefits of this pose are increased flexibility, organ cleansing, and improved yoga practice!
7) Toe Touch/Standing Forward Fold

Benefits:
-Yoga Outlet
8) Child’s Pose

Benefits:

9) Child’s Pose to the left and right

10) Crossover Stretch

This stretch is one of my favorites! This stretch in particular really stretches our your hips and releases any tension in your lower back. 
I hope this blog post was very helpful and that these stretches help you relieve stress an tension in your body/mind. I’d love to learn which stretch from the list above is your favorite, plus your favorite stretching move! I’m always down to try something new!
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Photography: Anna Carrano