The Benefits Of Stretching Morning And Night

I am stunned at the amount of people I have spoken to who don't stretch daily. Stretching is so important, not only to prevent injury when you workout, but when you wake up in the morning and before going to bed at night. Stretching gives you many health benefits such as:

• Increasing muscle elasticity and flexibility
• Relieving stress
• Improving blood circulation
• Promoting good balance and coordination
• Alleviating lower back pain
• Improving posture

Morning Stretching

Morning stretching is a great way to start your day. It will send fresh blood and oxygen throughout your body, waking you up and giving you energy. By stretching in the morning you are preparing your muscles and joints to move freely throughout the day.

Here are 2 of my morning stretches:

Lie on your back and pull your right leg up to your chest holding it at the knee for 8-10 breaths (keep your left leg relaxed and flat on the floor). Slowly return your right leg to the floor and repeat with your left leg. Then repeat with both legs at the same time, hugging your knees to your chest. This stretch will loosen the muscles in your legs.

Stand up, with your feet together, bring your arms over your head and form a pistol-grip with your hands, slowly stretch up then gently move from left to right for about 10 - 15 breaths. This stretch will stretch and loosen your spine.

Evening Stretching

Stretching is great form of stress relief so some light stretching before bed will help relax the body and mind so you can fall asleep easily.

Here are 2 of my evening stretches:

Sit on floor and bend your right knee, bring the sole of your left foot to your right inner thigh. Lift your butt and extend your left leg behind you (your toes should be pointing away from you). Bend forward slowly supporting yourself with your forearms and aim your forehead for the floor (you can use a pillow for your forehead if you find it difficult to bend all the way to the floor). Hold for 10 breaths then slowly come out and repeat with your left side.

Stand with feet hip-width apart and bend your knees slightly. Place your right hand on your left elbow and your left hand on your right elbow. Slowly bend over from the hips, letting your arms and head hang down (like a rag doll). Hold for 10 breaths then gently roll back up.

It only takes as little as 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes before bed to stretch so you shouldn't have any excuses, and I can assure you that you will notice a difference in the way your body feels.

About the Author

Marina Daniell is the founder of staple life, an inspiring blog for women about simple living (doing less, so you can live more). A dedicated Bikram Yogi, lover of fashion, beauty and food. When she isn't in the hot yoga room she can be found rolling fresh gnocchi or pasta for her family, or whipping up beauty products with items from her fridge.

You can follow Marina on Facebook or check out her blog staple life.

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5 Effective Tips on How to Lose Neck Fat

Do you want to learn how to lose neck fat? Have you been looking in the mirror and suddenly it occurred to you that aside from your cheeks, your neck is starting to get bigger and bigger? There are actually no scientific or health-related facts to quickly eliminating neck fat. However, there are a few workout routines that you can try for a firmer neck. There are no particular exercises that will directly target your neck fat but there are combination routines that will trim down your overall body fat.

If you want to know how to lose neck fat, continue reading the following simple and easy to follow exercises:

• The Side Tilt

You can perform this either standing or sitting. Straighten your body. Gently lean your head to the right. Do this carefully and slowly. Stop when your ear touches your shoulder. Keep that position for 10 seconds after which you can go back to starting position. Tilt your head to the left for another 10 seconds. Perform 4 repetitions per session. Aside from reducing neck fat, this side tilt routine also strengthens the muscles on the neck.

• Rotation Exercise

This is very simple. You start by turning your head to the right as far as you can before going back to starting position. Repeat the same as you turn your head to the left then go back to starting position. This is equivalent to a single head rotation. Do at least 5 to 10 rotations. Make sure you perform this routine gently and slowly.

• Back - Front Tilt

This routine is similar to the side tilt, only you tilt the head to the front and back. You can still perform this either sitting or standing. Tilt the head slowly to the back until the ceiling is visible; hold this position for 2 seconds, before returning to the starting position. Do the same as you tilt forward, when you see you feet, hold the position for 2 seconds, return to starting position. Do at least 5 repetitions per session.

• Front Resistance Routine

You have the option to use your hands or utilize an exercise tool. Position one hand in front of your head and then push the head backward. As you are doing this, tilt your head forward, as if trying to resist. Maintain this position for 10 seconds. Perform several repetitions, resting for a few minutes in between repetitions.

• Side Resistance

This routine employs the same principle of front resistance exercise. Starting position is: right hand on the right side of the head. While tilting your head to the right, push your head with your right hand. Maintain this position for 10 seconds. Rest for a couple of minutes, and then perform the routine to your left.

You now know how to lose neck fat effectively. These simple exercises have to be done in combination with simple body workout routines to completely lose weight and eventually lose neck fat. Proper diet is also important when you want to maintain your ideal weight.

If you like this article and are interested in learning more, check out articles on how to reduce double chin fat. You can also check out other related articles at http://www.getfitnessideas.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jess_Perry