12 Stretches You Can Do Easily At Home to Burn Fat and Lose Weight

Weight loss as many believe is next to impossible. While there are many who swear by fasting diets, cardio and the like, some may wonder how stationary stretches could help you burn calories. That’s where your thinking may be on the wrong track. While your cardio and diets are great no doubt, these stretches increase the effectiveness of your weight loss routines by improving flexibility to work out more, by improving metabolism to burn more calories, increase blood circulation to oxygenate your body and to improve muscle building. They are a great warm-up routine and a routine on its own to burn fat if you remain committed to it regularly. Most of these are based on time-tested yoga poses that are known to help improve your bodily function.

1 The Cobra

The cobra pose targets the back, shoulders, abs, hips, chest and obliques which are the external abdominal muscles. You need to lie down on the mat with your feet together and outstretched at your sides in front of you. Lean your head and chest back slowly (not in an instant). Hold the position for upto 30 seconds and breathe deeply.

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2Seated Twist

The seated twist targets the abs, obliques, and back. You have to sit on the floor and stretch one leg out in front. Now take the other leg, bend it at the knee and slowly cross it over the outstretched leg. Twist your body slowly towards and away from the bent knee in a reverse direction. Instead of keeping your leg outstretched you could also perform this a second time with leg bent. Do not do this instantly but stretch as far back as possible, then hold for 30 seconds.

3The Warrior Pose

Besides a good stretch for losing weight, this is also great for relaxing when resting during an intense workout. The pose targets your abs, back and hips. Adopt a standing position then slowly lunge out your right or left leg or place one leg behind you reaching the back of your mat. The leg outstretched at the back should make a 45-degree angle to the mat. Now stretch your arms upwards towards the ceiling. Hold the position for 30 seconds.

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4The Bridge Pose

This is a good stretch for the glutes, hips, abs and legs. You have to lie on your back and stretch out your arms at your sides or clasped together. Keep your knees bent at a ninety-degree angle and the gradually lift your body upwards. Your shoulders and upper back should be kept pressed against the floor. Hold the pose for 15-20 seconds.

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5Side Lunge

The side lunge will target your flexors, hamstrings and quads. This is great for those who have to sit at a desk job all day long to increase the circulation in the leg. While standing, stretch your right leg out and bend your left leg so that your thigh is parallel to the floor. Keep the left leg extended slightly to the left side. Lean forward and hold the position for 30 seconds. Then alternate with the other leg.

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