You probably already stretch before and after exercising, depending on the workout, but stretching is something you need to do every day, whether you work out or not. That’s because it keeps your muscles from shortening (hello, tight hamstrings from sitting at a desk all day), and helps with flexibility, mobility, and range of motion. Aside from making you strong and limber, stretching regularly will protect you from injury, too.
Thankfully, it doesn’t take a ton of time. These five exercises from Tessa Jenkins, training director for Bulldog Online and Bulldog Yoga, can be done in just five minutes at any point during the day. Whether you prefer to wake up and stretch or shake off brain fog with some midday poses, the benefits of this routine will help both body and mind.