Ultimate Stretch Yoga Routine

Stretch exercises are a vital part of maintaining your health and avoiding injury, especially as you age.

Yoga stretches can improve your range of motion, increase circulation, and calm your mind—which help fend off illness, as well as bring on a better night’s sleep.

The stretching you do in yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility. It's a commonly held misconception that you have to already be flexible to do yoga. In fact, the opposite is true: doing yoga regularly is a sure way to become more flexible. If that's your goal, this is an excellent stretch routine that target major muscles groups that tend to get tight from sitting for long periods or even from other types of exercise, like running. Staying in the poses for several minutes is the way to get a good stretch. Don't expect overnight changes, however.

The following yoga routine will open you up and have you feeling calm, centered and relaxed. This sequence can be done anytime and anywhere to get you feeling back on track.

For best results, do the complete stretch routine once daily. Deepen each move with every exhalation, and stop if you feel any strain or pain.