If you’re someone who struggles to wake up in the morning or feels tired throughout the day, incorporating some energizing exercises into your morning routine may be just what you need.
These five exercises are designed to get your blood flowing, stretch out your muscles, and give you a boost of energy to start your day off right.
Exercise #1: Sun Salutation
A classic yoga sequence, the Sun Salutation is a great way to kick off your morning routine. The flow of movements helps to stretch out your entire body while also increasing blood flow and breathing.
Here’s how to do it:.
- Begin standing at the top of your mat, feet hip-width apart and palms together in front of your heart.
- Inhale and reach your arms overhead, exhale and fold forward, placing your hands on the ground or on your shins.
- Inhale and lift your chest, gazing forward, then exhale and step or jump back into plank position.
- Lower down to the ground, then inhale and lift your chest into upward-facing dog.
- Exhale and push back into downward-facing dog, holding for a few breaths.
- Step or jump your feet to your hands, inhale and lift your chest, then exhale and fold forward.
- Inhale and rise all the way up to standing, reaching your arms overhead.
- Exhale and bring your palms together in front of your heart.
Exercise #2: Jumping Jacks
A classic exercise move that gets your heart rate up and your blood flowing, jumping jacks are a simple way to wake up your body.
Here’s how to do them:.
- Begin standing with your feet together and your arms at your sides.
- Jump your feet out to shoulder-width apart while simultaneously raising your arms overhead.
- Jump your feet back together while lowering your arms back to your sides.
- Repeat for 30-60 seconds, then rest.
Exercise #3: High Knees
This is another exercise that gets your heart rate up and your blood flowing. High knees also help to improve your balance and coordination.
Here’s how to do it:.
- Begin standing with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides.
- Lift one knee up toward your chest while simultaneously lifting the opposite arm up above your head.
- Lower your leg and arm and repeat on the other side.
- Continue alternating for 30-60 seconds, then rest.
Exercise #4: Mountain Climbers
A challenging exercise that targets your core, mountain climbers also get your heart rate up and your blood flowing.
Here’s how to do it:.
- Begin in a plank position, with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line from head to heels.
- Bring one knee up toward your chest, then quickly switch and bring the other knee up toward your chest.
- Continue alternating for 30-60 seconds, then rest.
Wall Sit: Exercise #5
A low-impact exercise that targets your legs and glutes, the wall sit also helps to improve your posture.
Here’s how to do it:.
- Find a wall and stand with your back against it.
- Slide down the wall until your thighs are parallel to the ground and your knees are directly above your ankles.
- Hold this position for 30-60 seconds, then rest.
Conclusion
Incorporating these five energizing exercises into your morning routine can help to wake up your body and get you ready for the day ahead.
Remember to stretch and warm up before you begin and consult a doctor or fitness professional before starting any new exercise routine.