When it comes to weight loss, many of us imagine that we need to lift weights or perform intense cardio exercises at a Las Vegas fitness center. Stretching is often seen as a means of warming up or cooling off after a workout. However, stretches have weight-burning possibilities when done correctly. What’s more, stretching improves flexibility and form, which helps you perform intense workouts better. If you’re about to hit the gym and don’t know what to do, here are five stretches you can try. 

The Cobra 
The cobra stretch targets your lower back, chest, torso, and obliques. To perform this stretch:

1. Lie flat on your stomach and place your hands on the sides of your chest.
2. With your palms flat on the ground, use your arms to lift your upper body while keeping your lower body on the floor.
3. Lean your head back and hold the angle for 30 seconds before going down on your mat and repeating the process. 

Standing Crescent Moon Stretch 
This stretch is very simple:

1. Stand straight, raise your arms in full stretch over your head, with the palms together. 
2. Hold the arm position and stretch the arms to one side, to create a C shape with your full height. 
3. Hold the position for 30 seconds before repeating the stretch on the other side. 

Seated Twist 
The seated twist offers excellent flexibility and targets your obliques, back and core. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sit on your mat with your back straight and your legs stretched out. Bend your left leg at the knee and cross it over the right leg. 
2. Twist your upper body towards the left, as if to look behind your back, while using the left arm to hold you in position. 
3. Hold for 30 seconds before repeating the stretch for the right side. 

The Bridge 
The bridge stretch targets fat in your glutes, calves and abs. To perform this at your Las Vegas fitness center:

1. Lie flat on your mat and spread your arms out on the sides of your body.
2. Bend your legs at the knee to form a 90-degree angle.
3. With your arms and legs in place, lift your body at the upper back near the neck, and stretch your shoulders back and down.
4. Hold the pose for 15 seconds and go back down gently to breathe.
5. Repeat the stretch at least 10 times for each round. 

The Warrior Pose
This stretch trains balance and encourage fat burn in the abs, hips, and back. It’s an excellent addition to any activity at your Las Vegas fitness center. To perform the warrior, pose:

1. Stand straight at one end of your mat.
2. Take a huge step towards the front with your left leg while leaving the right leg in the initial standing position.
3. Bend the left leg at the knee to create 90 degrees and bend the right foot to approximately 45 degrees to stay balanced.
4. Keep your back straight and stretch your arms fully over your head.
5. Hold this position for 20 – 30 seconds before switching legs. 

Join a Las Vegas Fitness Center and Stretch Away

Stretching is an excellent way to burn fat and remain flexible for other activities in your Las Vegas fitness center. As you stretch, you shake off the stiffness to prevent muscle injury, especially when performing intense exercises. For more stretching routines, join the Las Vegas fitness center at the YMCA. Contact us today to get started.