Stretching isn't just something for your everyday exercise junkie or the yogi across the
hall; it’s something we all do every day. We stretch as we wake up in the
morning, when we start to feel tense at our desk, and even when we are tired at
the end of a long day.
Hot spots for holding
tension in our bodies typically include the neck, shoulders, low back, and
hips. We often feel achy and
stiff just from a day at work; posture is king when it comes to being able to
maintain a comfortable position throughout the day.
Posture is an
endurance event, spending hours at the desk is tough on these muscles. For
example, did you know that sitting hunched over a computer can lead to tight
muscles in the chest and loose muscles of the upper back, or internally rotated
shoulders – all causing pain in the neck, back, and shoulders?
Why is stretching
important?
Stretching should be
an essential part of any fitness program. It enables you to recruit as much of
your muscle as possible while exercising. Stretching also promotes good recovery
by taking the muscles back to a lengthened state after the shortening work they've just done. This helps to kick start the repair process bringing blood
and nutrients to the muscles. For those who are not currently participating in an exercise routine stretching can be a great first step to introducing activity and cam be especially helpful as we begin to age by helping to maintain balance and coordination.
5 of the Top Benefits of Stretching:
- Increases flexibility
- Decreases the chance of injury
- Improves circulation
- Increases balance and coordination
- Helps to alleviate back pain
Need some encouragement and
instruction on what to do?
Join me on Tuesdays in November at 9:30 am for a 15
minute stretch in the Motivating Wellness studio. Free to all. Hope to see you
there!
No comments:
Post a Comment