Best Stretches For the Body

The following stretches will increase flexibility in many areas of your body. Perform them daily for best results. Stretching will also prevent injury. To understand more about the importance of stretching click here. This is a link to my post about the importance of  Stretching.

For some of these stretches, you may need an exercise ball or a chair.

1. Hamstring Stretch

Place one foot in front of the other. Bend on the back knee and rest the weight on it. Tip from the hips, keeping the back flat. Lower down until you feel a stretch in the back of the leg. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

 2. Quadriceps Stretch

 Stand straight and hold onto a wall for balance if needed. Grab the top of the right foot and bend your knee, bringing the foot towards the buttocks, knee pointing straight at the floor. You should feel a stretch right down the front of your leg. Squeeze your hips forward for a deeper stretch. Hold for 30 seconds. Switch sides.

 3. Biceps Stretch

Take your arms out to the sides, slightly behind you, with the hands out . Rotate your hands down and back until they are pointing to the back wall to stretch the biceps.

4. Upper Back Stretch

 Hold your hands together in front of you and round your back, pressing your arms away from your body to feel a stretch in your upper back. Hold for 30 secs.

5. Shoulder and Triceps Stretch

Stand tall, feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Place both hands above your head and then slide both of your hands down the middle of your spine. You will feel the stretch in the shoulders and the triceps.