30 Minute Full Body Stretch Routine - Total Body Stretching Exercises & Flexibility Stretches
2019 is almost over, but that doesn’t mean that you can take a break from working out until the New Year! The holiday season may be hectic but keeping a regular schedule can help keep your mind clear. No matter how busy you get within the next month, you have no excuses to put your workout aside!
If the weather is colder where you are, it is especially important to properly warm up your muscles before you start your workout. Stretching increases flexibility and range of motion, thus lessening your risk of injury. It is important to warm up before your workout no matter what temperature it is.
However, you have to be careful with stretching during the cold winter months because when your body is cold, your muscles contract. The contracted muscle state helps the body to conserve heat, but as a result, makes them tighter, less supple, and more prone to injury.
Remember, your muscles are like rubber bands. You'll have to ease your body into the exercise by preparing for the movement in a gentler form. When a rubber band gets pulled apart quickly, it snaps. Stretching a cold muscle can actually result in the type of injury we are trying to avoid. Instead, start with a brisk walk or jog to get the blood pumping.
Once you're all warmed up, follow along in this 30-minute full-body stretch routine to help your body relax during the holiday season!