2-Minute Stretching: Boost Flexibility and Relieve Muscle Tension

The year 2021 is finally here. During the lockdown, most of us have settled into an unhealthy routine at home. With this quick-stretch routine relax and wake up your body for an energetic day ahead. To get your new year off to a healthy start, here’s our #21StartsABHI health challenge. We will be giving out 21 health habits for you to do every single day for the next 21 days this 2021. All you need to do is upload a video or photo of you doing the habit and share on any social media platform with #21StartsABHI. Stand a chance to win FREE online fitness class subscriptions + Amazon vouchers.

1. What is the cow and cat stretching exercise?

This daily stretching routine is a blend of two yoga poses, namely the Majariasana and Bitilasana. Apart from stretching your back and neck muscles, this stretching exercise also stretches your hips and abdomen. This makes it a good exercise before a workout.  

Repeat the exercise in the video 5 times. Before getting up, stay in the cat position breathing in and breathing out slowly another 5 times. 

2. What are the benefits of the cow and cat stretching exercise?

This 2-minute stretching exercise helps all the muscles of the body to work, improving your blood circulation. It also releases the muscle soreness caused by sitting in one position all day. The main part of this process is maintaining balance and transitioning from one pose to another in a continuation, like a dance. Some of the health benefits of this 2-minute exercise includes

1. Increased flexibility: This exercise helps improve your flexibility as you slowly progress to other complex poses. It will warm your body at the start of your workout.  
2. Relieves menstrual pain: These yoga exercises relieve menstrual cramps and pain. It is also used as a part of prenatal yoga. 
3. Strengthens the spine: The cow stretch activates the tailbone while the cat stretch releases tension in the upper back and neck and improving blood flow. 
4. Massages the abdominal organs: This stretching exercise can stimulate and strengthen organs such as the adrenal glands and kidneys. 

How you can participate in the contest?

• Follow us on Instagram @abchealthinsurance
• Watch #21StartsABHI habit for the day
• Upload pictures or videos of you doing the habit by tagging @abchealthinsurance and using hashtag #21StartsABHI
• Win Free online fitness class subscriptions + Amazon vouchers

For more such healthy habits checkout our #21StartsABHI section here.