5 Simple Stretches to Relax Your Entire Body in Just Five Minutes

Do you ever find yourself on your yoga mat ready to stretch, but suddenly draw a blank on what stretches to do? If this sounds familiar, having a quick and easy stretch routine that you can remember might be exactly what you need. Clara Baini, the founder of Good Day Pilates, has designed a perfect sequence just for you.

On this week’s installment of Trainer of the Month Club, Baini has created a five-move everyday yoga routine that targets muscles throughout your body, from your neck and shoulders to your hips and hamstrings. This short routine only takes about five minutes to complete, making it easy to incorporate into your daily routine, whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bedtime.

Soon enough, you’ll have these stretches memorized. But for now, grab your comfy clothes, play the video, and get ready to stretch.

Baini’s 5-move everyday stretch routine

1. Seated cat-cows

To begin, sit on your shins or on a block for added comfort. Extend your arms overhead and interlock your fingers at the top of your neck. Slowly lower your head into this position, lifting your chest upwards. Look up towards the ceiling and take deep breaths. Return to the center and gently tuck your chin towards your chest, rounding your back like a cat. Alternate between opening and closing your chest.

2. Seated side stretch

Remaining seated, extend your left fingertips about a foot away from your hips. Raise your right arm up next to your ear, leaning gently to the left without twisting your chest downward. Feel the stretch along your entire right side. Return to the center and repeat on the other side.

3. Thread the needle

Come onto your hands and knees. Ensure your hips are directly above your knees and your shoulders are above your wrists. Extend your right arm up towards the ceiling, following with your gaze. Carefully slide your right arm underneath your chest, placing your right cheek and shoulder on the mat. Rotate your right side towards the right. Take deep breaths. Slowly exit the pose and switch sides.

4. Downward-facing dog

Return to an all-fours position. Curl your toes under and lift your hips upward, with a slight bend in your knees. Adjust as needed: shift your weight from side to side, bend your knees towards your chest, or lift one leg at a time to open up your hips.

5. Standing forward fold

Transition from downward-facing dog by walking your hands back towards your feet. Keep your knees slightly bent so your chest hangs over them, feeling the stretch in your hamstrings. Allow your fingertips to touch the floor or clasp your elbows with each hand.