My post workout stretch routine is my favourite part of my workout. I love stretching the muscles that I just used and it makes my body feel great!

However, I know that many people, often skip the post workout stretch routine. Sometimes it’s due to time constraints and for others it because they don’t like stretching.

But stretching after your workout is really important!
-For me, after a challenging workout, a good post workout stretch routine helps reduce possible muscle soreness and stiffness.
-It helps improve your flexibility (range of motion) which in turn can actually help you be more effective in future exercises.
-A good post workout stretch also assists with posture, which is important because so many of us spend a lot of time hunched over our computers.
– And lastly, it just feel so darn good!

I’ve collaborated with my friend Reg from Nourish Through Movement to bring you two great fully body stretch routines.

Today I’m sharing a stretch routine that you can do after your workout. Hold each stretch for at least 20 seconds, I like to do mine for 40 seconds.

Full Body Post Workout Stretch Routine:

1.Seated Neck Release Stretch
Stand or sit with your back straight and chest lifted. Drop your left ear to your left shoulder to feel the stretch. To deepen, gently press down on your head with your left hand. Hold for 20-40 seconds. Then repeat on the opposite side.
Many people forget about the neck but it have great in relieving tension and can positively impact your upper body. You can do this at the beginning or at the end of your stretch.

2. Tricep Stretch
As you can see in the image below, this tricep stretch can be done standing, sitting or kneeling. Make sure to hold it for 20-30 seconds and do it with both arms. You’ll feel a stretch in your triceps, shoulders and back.

3. Straight arm stretch
You can get a great stretch in your chest as well as your biceps and shoulders with this wall supported stretch. Stand close to the wall and have your thumb facing downward. Again hold it for at least 20-40 seconds and repeat on other arm. If you haven’t tried this in your post workout stretch routine, you will feel it and love it!

4. Hug stretch
I don’t know if that is what it’s called but this stretch is basically like giving yourself a hug! It targets you upper and middle back and is great to include in your post workout stretch routine.

5. Lower Back Stretches
Here are two different lower back stretches to try. Both child’s pose and knees to chest will give you a great stretch and it helps ease tension in your lower back as well.

6. Figure Four Stretch
This is another one of my favorite stretches because it just feels so darn good! It is great for stretching your glutes, hips and hamstrings.
Lie on your back with your feet flat on the ground. Cross your left foot over your right quad. Grab the back of your right leg and gently pull toward your chest until you feel a nice stretch. Hold for at least 20-40 seconds and then repeat on the other side.

7. Standing Quad Stretch
And you don’t want to forget to stretch your quads in your post workout stretch routine.

There are so many different stretches you can do, these are just a few of my favourites that target all the main muscles that usually get worked.

My good friend Reg who is a kinesiologist and a wellness blogger, has also put together a post to share some great functional stretches you can do. Her stretches will help you with your form, posture and alignment. Make sure to click on THIS LINK or the image below to read her post.

And now the big question, do you have a post workout stretch routine? Or will you be starting, now that you’ve read about all the benefits?