Best Beginner Stretching Routine for Flexibility

(Image via Pexels/Mart Production)
Beginner stretching routine for flexibility. (Image via Pexels/Mart Production)

A beginner stretching routine can not only help boost flexibility but also provide a multitude of other benefits. They include reducing tension, better muscle function, lower risk of injury, and less tightness, among others.

A beginner stretching routine can also alleviate muscle aches and prepare the muscles for an intense workout routine with flexibility training.


Beginner Stretching Routine for Flexibility

Here's a list of seven amazing beginner stretches for flexibility that can be incorporated into your regular routine:

1) Seared Side Straddle Stretch

Seared Side Straddle Stretch. (Image via Freepik/ Yanalya)
Seared Side Straddle Stretch. (Image via Freepik/ Yanalya)

This is one of the best beginner stretching exercises that can improve the flexibility of your back and abdominals along with opening the shoulders and chest. It can also engage the inner thighs.

How to do it?

Assume a seated position on the ground with your legs extended and as wide as possible. Raise both arms towards the side while maintaining good posture in the upper body. Bend from the waist above to the left side, with your left arm towards the ground and right arm near the head. Change sides, and repeat.


2) Trap Stretch

Trap Stretch. (Image via Freepik)
Trap Stretch. (Image via Freepik)

This is among the easier stretching exercises for beginners can help in relieving tightness from the neck. Trap stretching can also help enhance posture.

How to do it?

Begin in a standing position with good posture. Keep your shoulders rolled back and spine erect throughout the movement. Place your right palm over the left side of youe head before gently pressing the head towards your right shoulder. Change sides, and repeat.


3) Standing Quad Stretch

Standing Quad Stretch. (Image via Freepik)
Standing Quad Stretch. (Image via Freepik)

The standing quadriceps stretch is a prominent beginner stretch for flexibility, especially for runners who tend to be super easy without getting involved in any complicated movements. This pose can also help boost body balance.

How to do it?

Begin in a tall standing position, with your spine in alignment. Raise your left heel towards the butt with your knee bent. Make sure your left knee is pointed directly towards the ground, and keep a straight posture. Hold your left palm to your left foot for greater stretch. Change sides, and repeat.


4) Knee to Chest Stretch

Knee to Chest Stretch. (Image via Freepik)
Knee to Chest Stretch. (Image via Freepik)

This beginner stretch exercise can increase flexibility by engaging the muscles of the lower back and opening up the glutes.

How to do it?

Begin with your back and heels flat on the ground. With both legs together and knees bent, bring your feet as close to your hips as you can. Loop both arms around the knees to press them towards your chest. Hold for few reps.


5) Runner's Lunge

Runner's Lunge. (Image via Freepik/ Arthur Hidden)
Runner's Lunge. (Image via Freepik/ Arthur Hidden)

It can not only help increase flexibility but also enhance your fitness. This beginner stretching exercise can also help in building the body's foundational strength.

How to do it?

Begin by assuming the standard plank position with both palms pressed onto the ground. Step forward with your right foot between both hands. Press your hips towards the ground while feeling a stretch in your back. Hold before changing sides.


6) Overhead Tricep Stretch

Overhead Tricep Stretch. (Image via Freepik)
Overhead Tricep Stretch. (Image via Freepik)

It's an ideal beginner stretch that can help reduce tension after a stressful day along with enhancing posture by counteracting slouching. It's also one of the easier stretches that can be done for both warm-up and cool-down.

How to do it?

Begin in a tall standing position while keeping your spine in alignment. Raise your left arm towards the ceiling before bending it from the elbow and bringing your palm towards the upper back.

Bring your right arm over your head, and press the left elbow so that you can feel a greater stretch in your triceps. Change sides, and repeat.


7) Sphinx Stretch

Sphinx Stretch. (Image via Freepik)
Sphinx Stretch. (Image via Freepik)

It's a yoga pose that can not only build greater flexibility but also improve body posture by engaging the back.

How to do it?

Assume a prone position with your stomach pressed to the ground and elbows pressed beneath your shoulders. Press your legs to the ground with your quads engaged. Raise your upper body off the ground with your palms flat.

Push your chest outside while letting your spine bend, with your face towards the ceiling while performing this beginner stretching exercise. Repeat.


The beginner stretching routine listed above is some of the most amazing and effective ones that can help boost flexibility.

These beginner stretching exercises also entail other benefits, including better posture, increased balance in strength training and daily life, and greater muscular coordination. They're also effective in warming up and cooling down.

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