Workouts

A 12-Minute Morning Stretch to Release Overnight Stiffness

Stretching in the morning awakens your body, eases stiffness, and primes you for a positive, energized day.
A 12-Minute Morning Stretch to Release Overnight Stiffness
Illustration by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock
Amber Yang
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Many of us wake up feeling stiff and sore. Our backs may feel tight, our necks and shoulders tense, and even simple movements—such as bending forward or turning your head—don’t come easily.

Morning tightness isn’t necessarily a sign of aging. It’s a natural response to staying in one position for hours during sleep. While we rest, our muscles and joints remain relatively inactive and haven’t fully “woken up.” Jumping straight into daily activities can increase discomfort and raise the risk of strains or injuries.

Allow Your Body to Wake Up Slowly

Rather than pushing yourself into daily activity right away, it’s better to start with some gentle stretches. Gentle movement gives your body a smooth transition from rest to action.
Amber Yang
Amber Yang
Amber Yang is a certified personal trainer. She met all the requirements of the American Council on Exercise to develop and implement personalized exercise programs. She worked as a marketing manager for natural skin care products for years and as a health and beauty reporter and editor for ten years. She is also the host and producer of the YouTube programs "Amber Running Green" and "Amber Health Interview."