Stretching and yoga exercises are often used as a way to cool down after a workout, but did you know that they can benefit your workout as a whole? From improved muscle function and oxygen intake to stronger focus to help you finish that tough set, yoga brings a lot of advantages to the table. Intrigued? Here are a few ways to incorporate stretching, yoga and flexibility exercises into your gym session.
Exercises to Try When You’re Next at the Gym
Runner’s Stretch
1. Step your left foot forward and place your fingertips on the floor, lowering your body into a lunge.
2. Inhale and then straighten your left leg in one motion, exhaling as you do it.
3. Slowly return to the lunge position and repeat four times.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 with your right foot forward.
Forward Hang
1. Stand with your knees slightly bent, your feet hip-width apart.
2. Interlace your fingers behind your back. If your hands don’t meet, hold a towel between them.
3. Inhale and straighten your arms.
4. Exhale, bending forward at the waist. Let your hands stretch upward behind.
5. Hold for five deep breaths, then release.
Warrior Pose
1. Stand with your legs at least a metre apart.
2. Turn your right foot out by 90 degrees, your left foot in by 15 degrees.
3. Lift both arms sideways to shoulder level, palms up.
4. Exhale and bend your right knee so your knee and ankle form a straight line.
5. Turn your head to the right.
6. Stretch your arms out further, and gently push your pelvis downwards. Hold.
7. Inhale and rise.
8. Exhale and lower your arms.
9. Repeat for your left side.
Triangle Pose
1. Stand straight with your feet a comfortable distance apart.
2. Turn your right foot out by 90 degrees, your left foot in by 15 degrees.
3. Align your right heel’s centre with the centre of your left foot’s arch, ensuring your weight is evenly distributed.
4. Take a deep breath. As you exhale, bend downward from your hips to the right, extending your right hand to the floor and your left hand skyward.
5. Resting your right hand on your shin or ankle, Stretch your left arm upwards in line with your shoulders.
6. Hold, continuing to take deep breaths.
7. Inhale and rise, lowering your arms and straightening your feet.
8. Repeat on your left side.