Gain Strength and Flexibility With Every STRETCH

One simple activity many people rarely do after they workout is S-T-R-E-T-C-H! Scottsdale Personal Trainers say that stretching is incredibly important because it prevents your muscles from getting tight and stiff, especially after you've been working them out, rep after rep. Plus, you get additional benefits like improved circulation and reduced stress. According to Scottsdale Personal Trainers, stress causes you to tense your muscles without you even realizing it. Here are some basic yoga positions recommended by Scottsdale Personal Trainers that most anyone can do that will not only stretch your muscles, they'll also tone them. As a result, you'll be more flexible, look leaner and feel a lot calmer. CAT STRETCHES: These are simple, yet effective positions that stretch your spine, increase abdominal strength and help relieve back pain. Start by getting down on all fours. Place your palms face down on the floor, like you're doing a pushup. Your knees should be underneath your hips and your shins should be resting on the floor. As you inhale, let your spine curve toward the floor naturally as you lift your head up to look at the ceiling. As you exhale, round your spine up toward the ceiling. Think of a cat stretching after it wakes up. Look toward your belly button as you do this. Slowly repeat each position 9 more times. DOWNWARD DOG: Start on all fours with your hands on the floor in a pushup position under your shoulders, and your knees under your hips. Now walk your hands out a few inches in front of you. Once you're in this position, lift your hips and butt up toward the ceiling, while keeping your feet planted on the ground. Your body should look like an inverted "V." Your feet should be hip-width apart, and your knees should be slightly bent. Hold this position while inhaling and exhaling deeply, 3 times. Then, return to the starting position. Repeat 9 more times, slowly. WARRIOR LUNGE: This works your legs and butt, and gives you a great stretch at the same time. Stand with both feet together. Lunge forward with your right leg. Bend your right knee until it forms a 90 degree angle. Don't extend beyond a 90 degree bend. Now push your hips forward and raise both arms toward the ceiling. You'll feel a great stretch all over. Then return to the starting position. Now lunge forward with your left leg, bringing your hips forward and downward, with your arms stretched upward. Hold the lunge position for 3 deep breaths before returning to the starting position. Continue alternating until you've completed 10 stretches with each leg. CROW POSE: To get into this position, start in the Downward Dog position. Bend both elbows slightly and walk your feet toward them until your knees touch your elbows. Now rest your knees on the outside of your elbows/arms. Keep your toes on the ground and bring your heels up. Tighten your abs, legs and arms. Hold this pose while you breathe 3 deep inhalations and exhalations. Then relax, and slowly repeat 9 more times. So make sure you stretch after your workouts, and incorporate these basic yoga moves from Scottsdale Personal Trainers into your fitness routine. You'll get stronger, be more flexible and feel less stressed with every S-T-R-E-T-C-H! Read more health and fitness articles by Scottsdale Personal Trainers here.