Total Body Stretching Routine With Resistance Bands

This basic stretching routine targets the muscles of your hips, legs, chest, and back. You will be using a resistance band or tube, which will allow you to deepen your stretch and increase your flexibility.

The key to making this workout effective is to use just enough tension to deepen your stretch without going too far. Each stretch should feel good. If your muscles shake, that means you may be going too far.

In order to get the right level of flexibility, you may need to adjust where you hold the band. If you don't have a band, you can also use a towel, although you won't get the range of motion that you might get with a resistance band.

1

Workout Tips

woman doing seated upper back stretch — Photo: Ben Goldstein / Model: Ana Alarcon

Perform these stretches after a workout or throughout the day for improved flexibility and relaxation.
Stretch to your level of comfort - the stretches should feel good.
Hold each stretch for at least 15 seconds and repeat each stretch if you have time.
It's great to do these stretches when your muscles are warm if possible. If your muscles are cold, take your time with each stretch to avoid injury.

2

Hamstring Stretch

Lie on the floor and loop band around the right foot, grabbing onto the bands closer to your foot to create tension. Straighten the right leg as much as you comfortably can while keeping the left leg bent on the floor. Gently pull the right leg towards you, stretching the back of the leg.

Hold for 15-30 seconds and switch sides.

3

Inner Thigh Stretch

Lie on the floor and loop band around the right foot, grabbing onto the bands in the right hand to create tension. Gently lower the right leg out to the side and towards the floor until you feel a stretch in the inner thigh. You may want to support the leg with the other hand so you don't stretch too far.

Hold for 15-30 seconds and switch sides.

4

Lying Hip Stretch

woman doing hip stretch lying down — Photo: Ben Goldstein

Lie on the floor and loop band around the right foot, grabbing onto the bands with the opposite hand. Straighten the left leg out on the floor and gently lower the right leg across the body and to the left as low as you can go feeling a stretch in the right hip and glute.

Hold for 15-30 seconds and switch sides.

5

Upper Back Stretch

Sit on the floor with legs extended and loop the band around both feet. Cross the band and grab on to each side with both hands close to the feet. Gently curl the back, stretching it towards the back of the room and using the bands to create tension and add to the stretch. Keep the abs contracted and try not to collapse over the legs.

Hold for 15-30 seconds.

6

Chest Stretch

In a cross-legged or seated position, grip the band with hands a few inches apart. Gently pull the arms out and down as low as you can to stretch the chest. You may need to adjust your hands to change the tension in the band if it's too tight or too loose. This should be a gentle stretch. If you have shoulder problems, you may want to skip this exercise.

7

Side Stretch

In a cross-legged or seated position, hold onto one side of the tube with the left hand and reach the arm towards the right. Grab onto the other end with the right hand and gently pull, creating tension and stretching the left side of the waist. Try not to round through the back, but keep the torso straight.

Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.

8

Kneeling Quad Stretch

Sit on the floor with the right leg bent in front of you, left leg bent behind you. Loop the band around the top of the left foot. Lean to the right on the right forearm and use the band to gently pull the heel towards the glutes to stretch the front of the thigh. Squeeze the glutes for a deeper stretch.

Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.