Are you tired of endless diets and workouts that promise quick weight loss but are ineffective? Well, we have some good news for you! Did you know that simple morning stretches can help you lose weight quickly? Yes, you read it right. By incorporating these 5 morning stretches into your daily routine, you can kickstart your metabolism and shed those extra kilos without sweat. So let's dive in and discover the magic of these morning stretches.
Cat-Cow Stretch:
The cat-cow stretch is a gentle yoga pose that targets your core muscles, including your abs, back, and hips. This stretch improves circulation and flexibility in your spine, which can aid in better digestion. It also helps to relieve stress and tension in the back muscles.
How to practise
- To perform this stretch, start by getting on your hands and knees in a tabletop position.
- Make sure your wrists are under your shoulders and your knees are under your hips.
- As you inhale, arch your back and look up towards the ceiling, creating a curve in your spine (cow pose).
- Then, as you exhale, round your spine towards the ceiling and bring your chin towards your chest (cat pose).
- Repeat this sequence for 5-10 times.
Standing Forward Bend:
The standing forward bend is an excellent stretch for targeting the hamstrings, calves, and lower back muscles. It also helps to relieve tension in the neck and shoulders. This pose improves blood flow to the digestive organs and stimulates the metabolism.
How to practise
- To perform this stretch, stand with your feet hip-width apart and slowly bend forward from the hips.
- Keep your knees slightly bent if needed to avoid straining your hamstrings.
- Place your hands on the ground or hold onto your ankles.
- Hold this pose for 30 seconds to a minute while taking deep breaths.
Mountain Pose:
The mountain pose may seem like a simple stretch, but it has numerous benefits for weight loss. This pose helps to improve posture, balance, and body awareness. By standing in this pose, you engage your core muscles, which can strengthen and tone them over time.
How to practise
- To perform this stretch, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms by your sides.
- Focus on grounding your feet on the floor and lengthening your spine.
- Take deep breaths and hold this pose for 30 seconds to a minute.
Warrior II Pose:
Warrior II pose is an intense stretch that targets the thighs, hips, and core muscles. It also helps to improve balance and focus. This pose can also help to reduce belly fat by strengthening and toning the abdominal muscles.
How to practise
- To perform this stretch, stand with your feet wider than hip-width apart and turn your right foot outwards while keeping your left foot slightly turned in.
- Bend your right knee and extend your arms out to the sides, parallel to the floor.
- Keep your gaze over your right fingertips and hold this pose for 30 seconds to a minute. Repeat on the other side.
Boat Pose:
The boat pose is a challenging but effective stretch for weight loss. This pose engages all the core muscles, including the abdominals, back muscles, and hip flexors. It also helps to improve digestion and relieve stress.
How to practise
- To perform this stretch, sit on the ground with your legs extended in front of you.
- Lean back slightly and lift your legs off the ground while keeping them straight.
- Reach your arms forward, parallel to the ground, and hold this pose for 30 seconds to a minute.
Incorporating these 5 morning stretches into your daily routine can have significant benefits for weight loss. However, it is essential to remember that stretching alone cannot lead to weight loss; it must be combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
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