As promised, here are a few simple but extremely effective stretches for you to try. Each one targets a different major muscle group for a total body stretch.

• Remember to warm up your muscles with a walk or some jumping jacks
• Breathe out as you stretch to ensure a slow, controlled movement
• Stretch only to the point of resistance but not so it hurts
• Allocate five minutes from your day to complete these stretches

Upper Body Stretch – A great way to improve posture and relieve tension in your back and shoulders.

Raise your arms and clasp your hands above your head. As you bend to the left, release your hands and with your left hand pull your right elbow in towards your head. Hold for 5 seconds come back to the center and repeat on the right side.

Back Stretch – Great for people who suffer from lower back pain.

Upward Facing Dog: Lie on your stomach, legs straight with the tops of your feet on the floor. Place the palms of your hands on the floor beside your waist so that your forearms are relatively perpendicular. Straighten your arms and  lift your chest up and your legs a few inches off the floor. Hold for 10 seconds.

Lower Body Stretch – If you frequently wear high heals this is a great stretch for you!

Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Lift your right leg off the floor, holding it with your hands. (If you cannot reach your foot, just hold your calf or ankle). Flex your foot and hold for five seconds. Lower you leg back to the floor then repeat with the left leg.

Next, staying seated, bend your right knee and lift your leg, pulling your knee to your chest. Flex your foot and hold for five seconds. Repeat with the other leg.