[sidebar]To gently ease yourself into gear, do a mini-stretch routine right in bed. It loosens your muscles and gets your blood flowing before you even put your slippers on. It gives you a few more minutes in bed, yet wakes you up. And it only takes about 5 minutes. These moves will have you feeling refreshed and ready for your morning stroll! Knee to Chest Lying on your back with your legs straight, lift your right leg, and grasp it behind your thigh with both hands. Gently pull your knee toward your chest until you feel a slight stretch in the back of your thigh. Hold in this position for 5 to 10 seconds. Then without letting go of your leg, lift your head, and bring your forehead toward your knee. Hold for another 5 to 10 seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat with your left leg. Do three times for each leg. Knee Hug Bring both knees in toward your chest, wrapping your arms behind your thighs. Hold in this position for 5 to 10 seconds. Then without letting go of your legs, lift your head, and bring your forehead toward your knees. Hold for another 5 to 10 seconds, then slowly release. Do three times.
[header=Spine Twist] Spine Twist Lie on your back with your knees bent, your feet flat on the bed, and your arms out to your sides. (You’ll have to nudge your partner out of the way for this one.) Slowly lower your knees to the left while looking to your right. Go only as far as comfortable, and keep your shoulders down on the bed and your upper body relaxed. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat to the right. Do three stretches to each side.
Cat Stretch Kneel on all fours. (If your bed is really soft, you may prefer doing this one on the floor.) Pulling your belly toward your spine, drop your head, and round your back. Hold for three deep breaths. Slowly release, dropping your belly toward the floor, arching your back, and looking up toward the ceiling. Hold in this position for three deep breaths, then return to the starting position. Do three times.
