You go to sleep with good intentions, ready to leap out of bed to take your morning walk as soon as the sun comes up. But when that alarm goes off, you hit the snooze button, begging for just a few more minutes. Next thing you know, your walk time was eaten away by sleep time.

To gently ease yourself into gear, do a mini-stretch routine right in bed. It loosens your muscles and gets your blood flowing before you even put your slippers on. It gives you a few more minutes in bed, yet wakes you up. And it only takes about 5 minutes. These moves will have you feeling refreshed and ready for your morning stroll!


Knee to Chest

Lying on your back with your legs straight, lift your right leg, and grasp it behind your thigh with both hands. Gently pull your knee toward your chest until you feel a slight stretch in the back of your thigh. Hold in this position for 5 to 10 seconds. Then without letting go of your leg, lift your head, and bring your forehead toward your knee. Hold for another 5 to 10 seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat with your left leg. Do three times for each leg.

Knee Hug

Bring both knees in toward your chest, wrapping your arms behind your thighs. Hold in this position for 5 to 10 seconds. Then without letting go of your legs, lift your head, and bring your forehead toward your knees. Hold for another 5 to 10 seconds, then slowly release. Do three times. Read the entire article. "