Morning Stretch: Kickstart Your Day with Good Moves

Incorporating exercise into your morning routine can be quite the challenge—but the benefits of a morning stretch, even if it’s just for 5 minutes, far outweigh any inconvenience you think it might pose. Starting your day with a few simple stretches not only eases you into wakefulness but sets a positive tone for everything that follows. The American Heart Association recommends stretching once your muscles are warm, so hop out of bed first, open the blinds, and take just 5–10 minutes to greet the day. (Bonus points if you’re facing a sun-filled window.)

Why Make Stretching a Morning Ritual?

• Relieves muscle tension that builds up overnight
• Improves posture by reactivating those sleepy postural muscles
• Decreases aches and pains, especially in the lower back and neck
• Increases blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your muscles
• Boosts energy levels to help you start strong

And here’s a little extra motivation—even your morning stretch can earn you reward points on Activate app. Just log your session as a “Flexibility” workout and start your day with a win, both physically and digitally.

Simple Tips for a Better Stretch

• Start slow. Begin with gentle stretches to warm up your body—no need to go full splits first thing.
• Think of it as waking up your body. A night in bed is basically an extended savasana. Ease into movement just like you would at the end of a yoga session.
• Set the scene. Put on your favorite upbeat playlist, open the curtains, and enjoy this quiet moment of self-care before the day begins.
• Work from the ground up. Imagine you’re continuing the motion of getting up—stretch your legs first, then your hips, spine, shoulders, and neck.
• Be consistent. Like brushing your teeth, stretching works best when it becomes second nature.

Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting out, morning stretching is a powerful way to support both your physical and mental wellbeing. So tomorrow morning, before reaching for your phone or coffee, give your body the gift of movement—and don’t forget to log it as “Flexibility” to collect those reward points on Activate app. Your future self will thank you.