Essential Post-Workout Stretches

If you're not stretching after your cardio or strength training workout, you'll most likely end up with tight, sore, or aching muscles the next day. Not only that, but stretching also increases your flexibility, which makes you less susceptible to fitness injuries. I think my favorite thing about a good stretching session though is how calm and relaxed I feel afterward, so stretching is good for your body and your mind.

Here are six essential stretches I always include in my post-workout stretching routine. Each one targets different areas of the body, so by the end, you'll have stretched all your major muscle groups.

Butterfly: Hips and lower back	Seated Wide Straddle: Hamstrings and lower back	Tipover Tuck: Hamstrings, chest, and shoulders
Foot and Hip Flexor Wall Stretch: Hip flexors, calves, and feet	Lying Side Quad Stretch: Quads and shins	Half Wheel: Quads, abs, shoulders, and neck