4 Stretches You Can Do at Home to Burn Fat

When it comes to losing weight, many of us believe that this is only possible through intense cardiovascular exercise. However, flexibility exercises are also useful for improving metabolism, blood circulation, and even muscle development. Stretches and certain yoga poses can burn fat if done regularly. Plus, stretching can be an easy first step on the way to a more strenuous exercise regimen.

Why these exercises are really effective:

1. They burn calories. They might not burn as much as in an active aerobics class, but a lot more than if you were sitting still.
2. Improve metabolism. Many of these poses help balance the digestive system.
3. They reduce stress. It is more difficult to lose weight if the body is stressed, as it tends to store fat. But if you practice gentle stretching, you will be calm and balanced.
4. They build muscle. Each of these poses engages multiple muscle groups in the process, helping you build a stronger body.

Let’s take one step closer to the body of your dreams! Join us for an effective stretching workout.

1. The cobra

This stretching exercise targets the shoulders, back, chest, abdomen, hips, and obliques.

How to run:

1. Stretch your arms out by your sides and lie down on the mat with your feet together;
2. Raise your upper body;
3. Tilt your head back;
4. Hold this position for 20 to 30 seconds.

2. Seated twist

This stretching exercise targets the following areas: back, abs, and obliques.

How to run:

1. Sit on the floor with one leg stretched out in front of you, the other bent at the knee, and crossed over the other.
2. Turn body toward bent knee;
3. Continue rotating your body and hold the pose for 20 to 30 seconds.

3. The warrior

This exercise targets the following areas: hips, back, and abs.

How to run:

1. Standing, take a big step with your left foot toward the back of the mat. Turn left foot 45 degrees toward the center of the mat;
2. Bend your right foot 90 degrees so that your knee is just above your ankle. Keep the back leg straight;
3. Stretch your arms towards the ceiling;
4. Hold this pose for 25 to 30 seconds, then switch legs and repeat.

4. The bridge

This pose is effective for working the following areas: hips, buttocks, legs, and abdomen.

How to run:

1. Lie on your back, arms straight at your sides, knees bent at 90 degrees;
2. Slowly lift the body;
3. Press shoulders/upper back into the floor;
4. Hold this pose for 10 to 15 seconds.