As part of a regular exercise routine, these 5 stretches offer the benefits mentioned above. Even better? These stretches help you with losing weight and with keeping it off. Each can be done on a mat or carpeted floor.

Please contact us if you have questions or want to learn more about our weight loss programs or Botox and Fillers: 

• To reach our AZ Clinics, call 602-374-7226 (2 Clinics in Mesa and Phoenix) 
• To reach our NM Clinics, call 505-888-9575 (3 Clinics in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe) or 575-222-4994 (Las Cruces)
• To reach our TX Clinic, call 214-296-0269 (Dallas)
• Or visit us online to schedule an appointment: http://fitmedicalweightloss.com/

1) Downward Dog

• Start on hands and knees with your hands slightly in front of your shoulders and your knees directly beneath your hips.
• Spread your fingers out and tuck your toes under.
• Breathe out and lift your knees up off the floor.
• Slowly straighten your legs, but don't lock your knees, and press your heels towards the floor. Lift your sitting bones up towards the ceiling.
• Keep your arms straight, but don't lock your elbows.
• Press the base of your index fingers into the floor. Make sure your head doesn't hang down - keep it between your upper arms.
• Your pose should resemble an upside-down letter V.
• Click here for an illustration >> http://www.active.com/health/articles/pose-of-the-month-downward-facing-dog

2) Plough Stretch

• Lie on your back and roll your legs up and over your head, holding your butt in your hands for support.
• Let your knees drop down slowly towards the floor, on either side of your head.
• Hold for several seconds.
• Click here for an illustration >> http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yogapractice/theplough.asp

3) Lying Shoulder Stretch

• Lie on your back and bend your knees, keeping your feet flat on the floor.
• Place your hands under your lower back, so your elbows point out at your sides.
• Keep your upper body straight, and keep your knees firmly together and in line.
• Slowly roll both knees together over to one side, and bring them as close to the floor as you can.
• Slowly return to the start position and repeat on the opposite side.
• Click here for an illustration >> http://www.abc-of-fitness.com/back-stretch/spine-rotation.asp   

4) Lying Glute Stretch

• Lie on your back with both knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
• Cross the calf of one leg over the thigh of the other, and grasp the back of that thigh with both hands.
• Pull that thigh gently towards your torso, until you feel a stretch in your glute.
• Repeat the stretch with your opposite leg.
• Click here for an illustration >> http://www.exrx.net/Stretches/GluteusMaximus/Lying.html   

5) Lying Chest Stretch

• Lie on your back with both knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
• Bend your arms at 90 degrees, and place them flat on the floor on either side of your head, with your forearms parallel to your head and your palms facing up.
• Push your shoulders and forearms into the floor and slowly move your arms in towards your head.
• *Tip* You can also perform this stretch with a rolled up towel placed between your shoulder blades, or lying on top of a foam roller.

Related Resources:

Sally Symonds 5 Super Stretches to Help You Lose Weight 

Exercise 4 Weight Loss Benefits of Stretching Exercises

Please contact us if you have questions or want to learn more about our weight loss programs or Botox and Fillers: