3 easy stretches to wake up your entire body

3 easy stretches to wake up your entire body
Stretching is an important part of keeping your body healthy. Ideally, you should be stretching before and after every workout. But if you don't have time to work out — that doesn't mean you can skip stretching, too! Stretches help keep your muscles engaged and awake. If you sit at a desk all day, it's even more important to stretch in the morning and at the end of the day as well. 1. Standing Quad Stretch NATHAN R CONGLETON Raise your foot to touch your butt and grab it with your hand. Keep your thighs parallel and your chest high. Hold this position for 10 seconds before switching to the other leg. 2. Hip Flexor Stretch NATHAN R CONGLETON Start in a lunge position with your left leg forward. Lower your right knee towards the ground at a 90-degree angle and hold for five seconds. You should feel the stretch in your left hip. Repeat on the other side. 3. Cobra + Downward Dog Nathan R. Congleton / TODAY Start in a Cobra position by laying on your stomach with your hands on the ground, directly under your shoulders. Straighten your arms and pull your chest up to stretch out your abs. After five seconds, transition into a downward dog post by straightening your feet and pushing your hips back into the air. You should also feel the stretch in your arms and back. Hold for five seconds. For more fitness advice, sign up for our One Small Thing newsletter. Original article and pictures take http://www.today.com/health/3-easy-stretches-wake-your-entire-body-t104771 site