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3 easy stretches to wake up your entire body

Stretching is an important part of keeping your body healthy.
/ Source: TODAY

Stretching is an important part of keeping your body healthy. Ideally, you should be stretching before and after every workout. But if you don't have time to work out — that doesn't mean you can skip stretching, too!

Stretches help keep your muscles engaged and awake. If you sit at a desk all day, it's even more important to stretch in the morning and at the end of the day as well.

Here are three great stretches you can do every morning to wake up your body and start your day with a ton of energy.

1. Standing Quad Stretch

Standing quad stretch
NATHAN R CONGLETON

Raise your foot to touch your butt and grab it with your hand. Keep your thighs parallel and your chest high. Hold this position for 10 seconds before switching to the other leg.

RELATED: 5 daily stretches to improve your flexibility

2. Hip Flexor Stretch

Hip flexor stretch
NATHAN R CONGLETON

Start in a lunge position with your left leg forward. Lower your right knee towards the ground at a 90-degree angle and hold for five seconds. You should feel the stretch in your left hip. Repeat on the other side.

RELATED: 15 stretches to start your day off right

3. Cobra + Downward Dog

Downward dog + Cobra yoga poses
Downward dog + Cobra yoga posesNathan R. Congleton / TODAY

Start in a Cobra position by laying on your stomach with your hands on the ground, directly under your shoulders. Straighten your arms and pull your chest up to stretch out your abs. After five seconds, transition into a downward dog post by straightening your feet and pushing your hips back into the air. You should also feel the stretch in your arms and back. Hold for five seconds.

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