Flexibility and Stretching

Every day clients walk into the studio and complete their warm up. After those 5-8 minutes, they jump off whatever piece of cardio equipment they are on and proclaim,"I'm ready! What are we going to do today?" My response is always the same. "Did you stretch?" and almost every time the answer is NO. I will admit that stretching is most important at the end of a workout, but it's still pretty important to get in some general mild stretches BEFORE your workout too. It's also a good idea to stretch when you wake up and before bed to de-stress and balance out tension in the body.

Stretching should be a daily habit. The benefits of flexibility are immediate in the body. Your muscles like it and they think, "Mmmmmmmmm! That's just what I needed." Neglecting flexibility can be a regrettable mistake over time. Many times pain and tension is caused by tight muscles pulling at the joints causing musculoskeletal imbalances.

Flexibility training:
Allows greater range of motion, freedom throughout a movement and improved posture
Increases physical and mental relaxation
Releases muscle tension and soreness
Emphasizes deep breathing and focused body awareness
Often reduces risk of injury due to muscular tension

Everyone’s flexibility is different. Genetics, gender, age, frequency of stretching, and level of physical activity determine the ability of muscles to release and relax. As a natural part of the aging process, we lose our flexibility. Put simply, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it! However, muscles are very forgiving and will improve with regular training no matter your age or level of physical fitness.

Before Stretching:
Warm up is very important. Start with a low intensity warm-up, like walking, for 5-10 minutes before attempting stretches.

While stretching:
Stretch slowly, exhaling as you gently stretch a muscle.
Try to hold each stretch for at least 10 to 30 seconds.

Stretching mistakes:
Bouncing is a NO–NO! Gently holding a stretch is more effective and there is less risk of injury.
Don't stretch a muscle that is not warmed up.
Caution: Don’t strain or push a muscle too far. If a stretch hurts, ease up.
Breathe! Steadily, slowly, and focused. Never hold your breath.

All of this has got me thinking, "I think I'll go stretch." Maybe you should too. If you don't know what to do, email me and I'll get you started. www.BodyInteriors.com