A Good Stretch
Ahhh…a good stretch. B-r-e-a-t-h-e in as you stretch your arms out to the side of your body and up over your head and slowly exhale while you bring your arms back down to your sides. Feel the stretch. Feel your body come alive. Stretching brings energy to our bodies and clarity to our minds. Stretching relieves stress, improves circulation, increases range of motion-reducing risk of injuries, improves our posture and brings balance within our muscular system allowing harmony to enter into OUR internal environment.
With each stretch an individual performs…focus on breathing oxygen into the muscles being stretched.
A good example of why stretching is so important in reducing injuries is picture someone who sits often at a desk. The person may do a lot of writing or work on his or her computer. Overtime he or she develops shortened chest muscles and over stretched upper back muscles causing rounded shoulders, leading to discomfort in the upper back area and poor posture, which overtime will have a negative impact on that person’s health. Low back pain is often the result of tight hip flexors, tight hamstring muscles, tight lower back muscles and weak abdominal muscles. Picture the movements of a Tennis Player, Golf Player or a Baseball Player-without complete range of motion in their shoulder region his or her strength is limited and he or she is at a higher risk of injury.
Stretching is one of the most important components in keeping our bodies healthy, well balanced and injury free.
Stretching is an activity you can do everyday. Wear comfortable clothing. Prior to stretching:
- Warm up your muscles for about 8-10 minutes (walking, biking, go up and down stairs).
- Focus on good body alignment.
- Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds.
- Always do what feels good to your body.
- Maintain natural bend in your joints.
- Let your mind relax, which will help your muscles relax.
Ahhh…a good S-T-R-E-T-C-H….B-R-E-A-T-H-E.
Ahhh…a good stretch. B-r-e-a-t-h-e in as you stretch your arms out to the side of your body and up over your head and slowly exhale while you bring your arms back down to your sides. Feel the stretch. Feel your body come alive. Stretching brings energy to our bodies and clarity to our minds. Stretching relieves stress, improves circulation, increases range of motion-reducing risk of injuries, improves our posture and brings balance within our muscular system allowing harmony to enter into OUR internal environment.
With each stretch an individual performs…focus on breathing oxygen into the muscles being stretched.
A good example of why stretching is so important in reducing injuries is picture someone who sits often at a desk. The person may do a lot of writing or work on his or her computer. Overtime he or she develops shortened chest muscles and over stretched upper back muscles causing rounded shoulders, leading to discomfort in the upper back area and poor posture, which overtime will have a negative impact on that person’s health. Low back pain is often the result of tight hip flexors, tight hamstring muscles, tight lower back muscles and weak abdominal muscles. Picture the movements of a Tennis Player, Golf Player or a Baseball Player-without complete range of motion in their shoulder region his or her strength is limited and he or she is at a higher risk of injury.
Stretching is one of the most important components in keeping our bodies healthy, well balanced and injury free.
Stretching is an activity you can do everyday. Wear comfortable clothing. Prior to stretching:
- Warm up your muscles for about 8-10 minutes (walking, biking, go up and down stairs).
- Focus on good body alignment.
- Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds.
- Always do what feels good to your body.
- Maintain natural bend in your joints.
- Let your mind relax, which will help your muscles relax.
Ahhh…a good S-T-R-E-T-C-H….B-R-E-A-T-H-E.