8 Morning Exercises To Make You Feel Better All Day

In today’s world, not many people jump out of bed in the morning, ready to seize the day. You may awaken with cramps in your back and neck pain that makes you feel lackluster. Early morning exercises may ease these problems and help you to get off on the right foot.

Have you ever watched your furry friends when they awaken from a nap? The first thing they do is give their bodies and limbs a healthy stretch to shake off their sleep. Then, they’re ready for another great adventure.

An article published by the South Dakota State University Extension Agency explains the benefits of stretching exercises each morning. They alleviate tension and pain in your joints and muscles and increase blood flow throughout your body.

According to the article, you are more apt to improve your posture and have less pain in your lower back.

GETTING STARTED ON PERFORMING MORNING EXERCISES EVERY DAY

You don’t have to jump out of bed at five in the morning and run to the gym to get an effective workout. Fortunately, most early morning exercises can be completed right in your bedroom or wherever you feel most comfortable. All you need is room to move safely and a sturdy exercise mat.

Do your morning workouts wherever it’s best for you. Some people enjoy doing them outside to receive energy from the rising sun. You can also add music and incense to create a meditative ambiance.

The beauty of these exercises is that you can combine them with your routine or make them your total morning workout. Most people like to do morning workouts before they eat breakfast, but that’s up to you. You’ll probably notice a difference in your energy level within a few days.

TRY THESE MORNING EXERCISES FOR MORE ENERGY ALL DAY LONG

Keep in mind that everyone is different, and you can exercise at your own pace. If you are experiencing any pain, stop the movement at once and rest. Here are eight helpful early morning exercises for you to consider.

MORNING EXERCISES 1-5

1. DEAD BEETLE BUG

When you awaken from bed, your body has been in a lying position for six to eight hours. These early morning exercises prepare your spine and core for the long day ahead of you. Your spine needs mobilization for best movement and to minimize pain and injury.

Do you need to fix your posture? If you slump over a computer or smartphone for any length of time, then it’s going to cause pains in your neck, back, and shoulders. Today, bad posture has become a significant concern.

HOW TO:

• Sit on your exercise mat, then lie comfortably on your back.
• Bend your hips and knees at 90 degrees.
• Next, raise both arms upward while keeping your abs and lower back flat on the mat.
• As you inhale slowly through your nostrils, bring your right hand behind your head while extending your left leg until it’s right above the floor.
• Exhale through your mouth while returning to the starting position.
• Reverse and do the same steps with your left hand and right leg.
• Try to do at least ten reps per side.

2. PLANKS

Do your muscles feel like stiff boards when your alarm clock buzzes? Planks are classic strength training and are ideal for early morning exercises. They mobilize your core and ease the stress on your hips and spine.

HOW TO:

• Position yourself with your hands and knees flat on your mat. Your hands should align with your shoulder.
• Gently step your feet back until your body is in a straight line, almost as if you’re doing a push-up.
• Align your head and heels and look toward the mat.
• Take a deep breath and tighten muscles in your core and glutes.
• Hold this position while mindfully breathing for at least a minute.
• Repeat these steps at least five times.

3. ALL-FOUR ROTATION

Tasks that keep you sitting most of the day can be challenging on the middle of your back, called the thoracic spine. This movement is called a quadruped exercise because it requires you to be on your arms and legs. It can strengthen your thoracic spine and encourage better posture.

HOW TO:

• Position yourself on all fours or the dog position, and make sure you’re comfortable.
• Place your hands in a position where they are so that they’re in perfect alignment with your shoulders.
• The goal is to keep your knees and hips in a suitable range while relaxing the spine area.
• Next, put your left hand on the back of your neck and try to rotate your body as close as you can to your right hand.
• If it’s too complicated or painful for you to reach your neck, you can also place your left hand on your upper back.
• Hold this position for two breaths and return to the starting position.
• Reverse. Repeat these steps with your right hand on your neck or back and your knee on the floor. Your goal is at least four to five reps per side.

4. POINTER DOG

Revitalize your strength with early morning exercises like the pointer dog, which uses the whole body. It focuses on your trunk as well as the muscles and connective tissue of your spine. You may also notice that you have more stamina and better posture in your lower body.

HOW TO:

• Position yourself comfortably on your hands and knees.
• Inhale while drawing in your gut and squeezing your glutes.
• At the same time, pull your shoulders down and align your head with your spine.
• Hold this position and continue mindful breathing as you lift and extend your left arm and right leg in a straight line.
• Next, bend your left and right leg towards the body into a fetal position. At the same time, you’re left elbow should incline to touch the opposite knee.
• Hold this position for at least three seconds.
• Return to the starting position and try to do ten reps. Repeat the steps on the opposite side for another ten reps.

5. CAT-COW POSE

You needn’t be an experienced yogi to reap the benefits of yogic exercise. According to an article published in Yoga Basics by Timothy Burgin, doing yoga early in the morning helps your body and mind, and spirit. As with most classic yoga poses, this easy one mimics poses of a cat and a cow.

HOW TO:

• Position yourself on your mat on all fours or in a doggie position.
• Make sure that your hands are parallel with your shoulders.
• Additionally, it would be best if you kept your knees hips aligned to ease any discomfort.
• As you take a deep breath, lower your chest while pushing your hips and shoulder back in a cow position.
• Hold your breath for a second and lift your chin and chest to look toward the wall.
• Gently exhale through your mouth, bring your tummy toward your spine, and arch your back like a stretching cat.
• Repeat these steps five to ten times.