Weight Loss Stretches

Stretching your muscles is a great way to improve the tone and flexibility of a target region. In addition, a regular stretching routine can help you to reduce stress and reduce the risk of injury to muscles and joints. But can a low-key stretching workout actually promote weight loss? Yes. While stretching doesn't burn the calories of an aerobic activity like running, it still elevates the heart rate, promoting overall fitness. Additionally, most stretches can be altered to work for various fitness levels.

Chair

This is a popular stretch that can help to tone the upper thighs and the buttocks. Position yourself against a wall, standing as straight as possible. Place your feet together with the toes pointing straight ahead. Inhale and raise your arms from your sides, holding them directly in front of you at shoulder height. Exhale and bend your thighs, keeping your back pressed against the wall. When your legs are bent at an approximate 45-degree angle, stop and hold the position for 30 seconds. Then slowly return to the original standing position. Repeat four times a day, 3 days each week to achieve the best results.

To make this stretch easier, place your feet shoulder-width apart and only bend your knees a little, rather than attempting the 45-degree angle. To make it more difficult, stand on the balls of your feet and keep your heels lifted off the floor for the duration of the stretch.

Crescent

The crescent is one of those great stretches which works to tone your thighs, buttocks, abdominal muscles and arms all in one smooth move. Stand with your feet a comfortable width apart, allowing your arms to hang loose at your side. Take a deep breath and bring your arms up, raising them over your head. Exhale and lower your arms, reaching for your toes. Bend your knees slightly, if necessary, and place your hands on the floor. Inhale and move your right foot directly behind you, taking a step backwards. Bend your left leg and move the right foot so that both heels are aligned. When you have your balance, raise both of your arms directly upward. Point your fingers toward the ceiling and hold this pose for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise, switching legs.

To make this stretch easier, lower the leg that is extended behind you to the floor, resting your weight on your knee and place your hands on your thighs rather than raising them overhead. To make it more difficult, arch your back and tilt your head backward when your arms are extended, staring at the ceiling for the duration of the stretch.

Saw

The purpose of the saw is to stretch the hamstrings and gently work the muscles of the torso and pelvis. Sit on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you, slightly farther than shoulder-width apart. Sit up straight and look directly ahead. Extend your arms to the sides, raising them to shoulder level. Take a deep breath and pull yourself upward, straightening the spine, making yourself as tall as possible. Exhale slowly and stretch your left hand toward your right foot, turning your upper body as you move. Extend your reach as far as you can, and hold the position for 8 seconds. Return to your original position. Repeat the stretch using your right hand and reaching for your left foot. Repeat this exercise, alternating arms, until you have used both arms four times.

To make this stretch easier, reach for your knees rather than your toes. To make this stretch more difficult, extend the width between your feet before beginning the stretch, and lower your head to your knees once you have extended your reach past your toes.