Yoga/stretching in the morning - advisable?

Factual Questions
1

I have heard from various sources that it is not advisable to exercise first thing in the morning, since your muscles need time to loosen from sleeping (or something to that effect, it’s not entirely clear to me). However, lots of people exercise in the morning seemingly without harmful effects. I am thinking of trying yoga or stretching first thing in the morning. Any one have the Straight Dope on this?

2

You’re fine, if you follow the guideline that you should always apply:

Stretch only to the point of resistance; if the stretch hurts, you’re pushing too hard.

In the morning, it might take a few mins to warm up, but there are no other restrictions.

3

Probably better to wait an hour or so for your nervous system to wake up and the fluid to drain out of your spine.

4

IANADoctor or a yoga teacher or any kind of expert on exercise. However, I’ve studied yoga for several years and never had any teacher advise against practicing in the morning. (In fact, I think it’s generally recommended.)

I always start a morning yoga practice very slow, with lots of reclining/sitting poses and slow stretches, before I work up into standing poses or sun-salutations or anything else high-energy. Works for me.

5

IANADoctor or a yoga teacher or any kind of expert on exercise. However, I’ve studied yoga for several years and never had any teacher advise against practicing in the morning. (In fact, I think it’s generally recommended.)

I always start a morning yoga practice very slow, with lots of reclining/sitting poses and slow stretches, before I work up into standing poses or sun-salutations or anything else high-energy. Works for me.

6

You’ve already gotten what I believe is the correct advice. You will generally not be able to get as far into your poses in the morning as you will in the afternoon. Do not stretch to the same place as you normally do later in the day, stretch to the same feeling of resistance.

7

Thanks for the responses, everyone. I’m thinking of doing a very gentle routine, since I’m out of shape anyway, so I don’t think there’s much risk of overdoing it.