Simplest
Stand with feet shoulder width.
Spin left & right from your hips.
Overhead (for shoulders, neck & back)
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees & hips relaxed. Interlace your fingers & extend your arms above your head, palms up. Take 10 slow, deep breaths, elongating the stretch on each exhale. Relax, & repeat once more.
Torso stretch (for lower back)
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent. With your hands at the small of your back, angle your pelvis forward while pointing your tailbone backward slightly; feel the stretch in your lower back. Pull your shoulders back. Hold for 10 deep breaths; repeat once more.
Cat & Cow stretch
Get down on your hands and knees with your hands directly under your shoulders, your back flat, & your toes pointed behind you. Tighten your abdominal muscles, arch your back, & drop your head down so you’re looking at your stomach. Hold for 10 seconds, breathing deeply. Now lower your back until it’s swayed, simultaneously raising your head. Hold for 10 seconds, & then return to the starting position. Repeat 4 times.
Exercise Video | Instructions |
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Basic Stretches (20) | |
Neck Tilts | Gently tilt your head toward each shoulder, holding for 15 seconds on each side. Repeat 3 times. |
Shoulder Rolls | Slowly roll your shoulders backward in a circular motion 10 times, then forward 10 times. |
Arm Cross Stretch | Extend one arm across your chest and use the other arm to gently pull it closer. Hold for 20 seconds each side. |
Triceps Stretch | Raise one arm overhead, bend elbow, and use opposite hand to gently push elbow further. Hold 20 seconds each side. |
Standing Side Bend | Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, raise one arm overhead and lean to the opposite side. Hold 15 seconds each side. |
Forward Fold | Stand with feet hip-width apart, slowly bend forward from hips. Let head and arms hang heavy. Hold 30 seconds. |
Quad Stretch | Stand holding onto support, bend one knee and grasp ankle to gently pull heel toward glutes. Hold 20 seconds each side. |
Hamstring Stretch | Sit on floor with one leg extended, other bent with foot against inner thigh. Reach toward toes of extended leg. Hold 30 seconds each side. |
Calf Stretch | Stand facing wall, place hands on wall. Step one foot back, keeping heel on floor and knee straight. Hold 20 seconds each side. |
Hip Circles | Stand with hands on hips, make circles with your hips clockwise 10 times, then counterclockwise 10 times. |
Cat-Cow Stretch | On hands and knees, alternate between arching your back upward (cat) and dipping it downward (cow). Repeat 10 times. |
Child’s Pose | Kneel on floor, sit back on heels, then fold forward to rest forehead on floor with arms extended. Hold 30 seconds. |
Seated Twist | Sit with legs extended, cross one foot over opposite knee, twist toward bent knee. Hold 20 seconds each side. |
Butterfly Stretch | Sit with soles of feet together, knees bent out to sides. Gently press knees downward. Hold 30 seconds. |
Figure Four Stretch | Lie on back, cross one ankle over opposite knee, gently pull thigh toward chest. Hold 30 seconds each side. |
Knee to Chest | Lie on back, pull one knee toward chest while keeping other leg straight. Hold 20 seconds each side. |
Lunge Stretch | Step one foot forward into lunge position, keep back leg straight and heel down. Hold 20 seconds each side. |
Wrist Stretch | Extend arm with palm up, use other hand to gently pull fingers downward. Repeat with palm facing down. Hold 15 seconds each. |
Ankle Circles | Sit or stand, lift one foot and circle ankle clockwise 10 times, then counterclockwise 10 times. Repeat with other ankle. |
Full Body Stretch | Lie on back, extend arms overhead and point toes, stretching through entire body. Hold for 15 seconds, relax and repeat 3 times. |
Forms of Exercise (20) | |
Brisk Walking | Walk at a pace that raises your heart rate. Maintain good posture and swing arms naturally. Aim for 30 minutes. |
Cycling | Ride a bicycle outdoors or use stationary bike. Maintain steady pace for at least 20-30 minutes. |
Yoga Flow | Perform a series of yoga poses focusing on breath and movement. Sun salutations are a good beginner sequence. |
Bodyweight Circuit | Perform 3 rounds of: 10 push-ups, 15 bodyweight squats, 20 walking lunges (10 per side), 30-second plank. |
Swimming | Swim laps using your preferred stroke for 20-30 minutes. Focus on consistent breathing and form. |
Jump Rope | Jump rope for 1 minute, rest 30 seconds. Repeat 10-15 times. Modify intensity by adjusting speed. |
Dance Workout | Follow a dance routine for 20-30 minutes. Focus on having fun while moving to the music. |
Tai Chi | Practice slow, flowing movements with focused breathing for 20-30 minutes. Good for balance and relaxation. |
Hiking | Walk on natural trails with varied terrain for 45-60 minutes. Wear appropriate footwear and bring water. |
Interval Running | Alternate between 1 minute of running and 2 minutes of walking. Repeat 8-10 times. |
Pilates | Focus on core strength with exercises like hundreds, leg circles, and rolling like a ball. 20-30 minute session. |
Basketball | Shoot baskets, practice dribbling, or play a casual game for 30-45 minutes. |
Resistance Band Workout | Perform exercises like band rows, chest presses, squats, and glute bridges. 3 sets of 12-15 reps each. |
Frisbee | Play catch with a frisbee or join a casual game of ultimate frisbee for 30-45 minutes. |
Stair Climbing | Climb stairs for 10-15 minutes continuously. Use actual stairs or a stair climber machine. |
Kayaking/Canoeing | Paddle for 45-60 minutes. Focus on using core muscles and maintaining steady rhythm. |
Martial Arts Basics | Practice basic stances, punches, and kicks. Shadow box or follow along with instructional video for 30 minutes. |
Rock Climbing | Indoor or outdoor climbing for 60 minutes. Focus on technique and use proper safety equipment. |
Rowing | Use rowing machine with proper form: drive with legs, then lean back, then pull arms. 20-30 minutes continuous. |
Circuit Training | Combine cardio and strength exercises: jump squats (45 sec), push-ups (45 sec), mountain climbers (45 sec), rest (30 sec). Repeat 5 times. |