Stretches to try for the whole body

Recovery after physical activity starts with the “cool down”. After a high-intensity workout or strength session, the best thing you can do is stretch that fatigue out of your muscles and restore your joints’ range of motion. This can help get the blood circulating back through the tissues and kick start that recovery process. Stretching can also help prevent muscles stiffness, soreness, and injury in the coming days. Injuries commonly occur to muscles that have been previously fatigued. So it goes without saying (but I’ll say it) that you should focus on stretching the muscles you have worked on in a session.

Below are examples of two stretches for each muscle group you can use in your next cool-down session. My general rule of thumb is to hold the stretch for 12 seconds before letting go and don’t forget to perform the movements on both sides of your body!

BACK

Lat Lean and twist

Cat / Cow / Downward dog

CHEST

Wall step-through

Wall push-through

GLUTES

Figure 4 Stretch

Knee to chest

QUADS

Hip Flexor Stretch

Heel to bum stretch

HAMSTRINGS

Hanging hamstring stretch

Long Lunge stretch

ARMS

Rear arm lifts

Overhead Triceps stretch

SHOULDERS

Thread the needle

Shoulder Windmills

ABS

Sphinx

Standing lean overs

Make sure you stretch your neck out as well! The neck and upper traps are where we hold a lot of our tension from stress and anxiety.

The benefit of regular stretching can be increased flexibility, more energy, less fatigue, and increased circulation – just to name a few. Have a crack at these next time you are cooling down after a workout. Trust me, this is worth the time!

Come and speak to one of our friendly staff members in the gym if you’d like to know more about stretching for recovery.

Looking for that extra bit of motivation?

We have a range of weekly group fitness classes on offer, check out our classes here. Or to learn more about fitness and wellbeing and connect with like-minded people, visit the Wellness Hub.