It’s true, stretches aren’t the most exciting part of a workout but they sure are important to avoid pulling or straining muscles during an activity or exercise. When muscles are loose and stretchy they are less restricted. Here are some stretches that are easy to accomplish anywhere.

1. The standing hamstring stretch. To do this stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent and arms to your sides. Exhale as you bend forward from the hips lowering your head toward the floor, keeping your shoulders, head, and neck relaxed. Wrap your hands around the backs of your legs and hold up to two minutes at a time. Slowly bend your knees as you roll up to the standing position.
Stretches your neck, back, glutes, hamstrings, calves

2. Triceps stretch. This stretch can be done sitting, kneeling, or standing tall with feet hip-width apart with arms over your head. First, bend your right elbow behind your head and extend your right hand to the middle of your back, then reach your left-hand overhead to grasp below the right elbow. Gently pull elbow down toward head. Switch arms and repeat.
Stretches the neck, shoulders, back, triceps

 

 

 

3. Butterfly stretch. Sit tall on the floor with the soles of your feet together, knees bent out to the sides. Hold your ankles and engage your abs. Slowly lower your body toward your feet as far as you can while pushing your knees to the floor. If you are too tight to bend just push your knees toward the floor. Hold this stretch up to 2 minutes at a time.
Stretches the hips, glutes, back, thighs

 

These are a few stretches that stretch the entire body. Stretches are beneficial even if not working out.