Don't Forget to Stretch!
When it comes to health and fitness, exercise and nutrition are usually the first things that come to mind. We work hard in the gym, avoid sugary and processed foods, everything we're supposed to do for good health. But what about stretching? Rest and recovery are just as crucial to improving health and wellness as the workouts themselves. However, they are the most overlooked aspects of fitness!
Flexibility and mobility that stem from proper stretching not only improves overall health but also ensure that you get the best results in the gym. When the body is aligned correctly and mobile, muscles can contract and lengthen optimally. This means an improved range of motion of the joints, balance, posture, and strength! It also helps to decrease muscle tension, chronic and acute pain, and significantly reduce the risk of injury.
Spending just 10-15 minutes per day stretching will make a significant impact on flexibility. However, just like exercise, there is a right and a wrong way to stretch. Keep these things in mind to ensure safe and effective stretching:
Avoid stretching immediately before exercise, as doing so can increase the risk of injury during the workout.
Perform each stretch gradually and gently. Do not bounce or apply unnecessary force while stretching.
Do not hold your breath; instead, breathe as you typically would or practice deep breathing.
If you feel any sharp pains or joint instability during a particular stretch, discontinue immediately.
Stretching is the most effective when the body and muscles are warm. Before your stretch session, spend a few minutes walking or doing a dynamic warmup. Whenever possible, avoid stretching in frigid temperatures.
Now that you are familiar with the basics of stretching, it's time to give it a try. Check out this stretch and mobility guide for a great place to start. And don't forget, stretch class takes place at the studio every Saturday morning at 9:30!