A towel is more than something to dry off with

Towel stretches – Feels Good, Helps with Flexibility, Helps with Posture, and More

Today we are going to do some stretching with a towel. You have a towel, don’t you? We can stretch our back, shoulders, legs and feet. We can also twist and grip with a towel. These towel exercises can be done as individual exercises depending on your needs or as a good morning routine before you work out. Stretching is so important to keep us limber. Now grab a towel and get going.

Calf stretch and it’s good for plantar fasciitis too

1. Sit with your legs extended and knees straight
2. Place a towel around your foot just under the toes.

3. Hold each end of the towel in each hand, with your hands above your knees
4. Pull back with the towel so that your foot stretches toward you
5. Hold the position for at least 15 to 30 seconds
6. Repeat on the other leg
7. Do these 3-5 times each leg

Hamstring flexibility stretch

1. Lie on the ground
2. Place a towel around one foot
3. Hold the ends of the towel, gently lift one leg toward the ceiling and pull down on the towel toward your head
4. Keep your knee straight
5. Only stretch as much as comfortable
6. Hold the position for 15-30 seconds
7. Repeat on the other leg
8. Do this 3-5 times each leg

Sideways hip flexibility

1. Lie on the ground
2. Place a towel around one foot
3. Guide let (holding towel) to the side
4. Only stretch as far as comfortable
5. Hold the position for 15-30 seconds
6. Repeat on the other leg

Good lengthening stretch: Toe touch and stretch to ceiling

1. Hold towel with hands straight in front
2. Pull towel out to sides and keep that pressure
3. Raise hands to the ceiling getting a good stretch
4. Lower towel to waist height while continuing to pull on towel to the side
5. While continuing tension on the towel, bend at the waist and reach to the ground
6. Come back up to waist height with the towel.
7. Repeat 3-5 times, taking care that you do not get dizzy when you go to your toes or return up. 
8. Do these slowly and breathe.

Shoulder and upper arm flexibility

1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Hold one end of a towel in your right hand.
3. Raise and bend your right arm to drape the towel down your back. Keep your right arm in this position and continue holding on to the towel.
4. Reach behind your lower back and grasp the towel with your left hand.
5. To stretch your right shoulder, pull the towel down with your left hand. Stop when you feel a stretch or slight discomfort in your right shoulder.
6. Repeat at least 3-5 times.
7. Reverse positions, and repeat at least 3-5 times.

There is a lot you can do with a towel. If you want to learn more or have some special exercises developed just for you, please reply to the comments or DM me on Instagram @sandifeaster