What’s the first thing you usually do after waking up? Maybe you check your phone, brew a cup of coffee, or head straight into the shower before breakfast. While those habits are common, fitness instructor Justin Agustin recommends doing something else first.
Before eating or scrolling, he suggests completing a gentle seven-move mobility routine designed to loosen stiff joints, improve circulation, and prepare your body for the day ahead.
Why This Morning Routine Works
Agustin specializes in exercise therapy for beginners, seniors, and people with limited mobility. He explains that this easy morning flow helps set a positive tone for the day. According to him, it boosts energy, supports digestion, and eases morning aches.
Moving before eating also gently activates your metabolism and mindset, helping you start the day feeling calm, focused, and ready to go.
What Is The Workout?
This routine is beginner-friendly and senior-safe, designed to mobilize the entire body in just a few minutes. Agustin recommends aiming for 10–15 repetitions per exercise or holding each movement for 30–60 seconds.
The Seven Mobility Exercises
- Single leg swing
- Knee taps
- Side rotations
- Shoulder rolls
- Standing leg marches
- Arm raises
- Overhead side stretch
Benefits Of Morning Mobility Exercises
Moving first thing in the morning offers multiple benefits. According to Agustin, it helps lubricate the joints, reducing stiffness and discomfort, while also preparing muscles for daily movement. When practiced consistently, it can improve flexibility, balance, and overall mobility.
Morning movement may also help reduce stress and anxiety. Research shows that exercising earlier in the day can support better consistency and contribute to weight management over time.
A 2024 study published in Social Science & Medicine found that mobility-focused exercise has a significant positive impact on individual health, suggesting active mobility as a valuable public health strategy.
Keep It Simple And Stay Consistent
These seven exercises are a great starting point, but Agustin emphasizes that the most important thing is simply to keep moving.
That movement could be a walk outside, light exercises at home or the gym, or even gentle mobility work beside your bed. The key is finding something you can sustain long term. Over time, consistent movement can help you feel stronger, more mobile, and better overall.
