Get Flexible!

Did you know that flexibility training should be a part of everyone’s daily routine – regardless of fitness level, age or ability?

And it doesn’t have to be difficult. Even a basic regime of simple stretching exercises can yield big results:  back health can be dramatically improved, the incidence of injury during sports or daily activity is lessened and as an added benefit – it is a relaxing thing to do!

Be sure to stretch safely. Joints should never be pushed past the point of mild discomfort.  Stretches should be held for at least 10 seconds without bouncing. Never stretch cold muscles, so be sure to warm up first. Try to stretch every muscle group.  Aim to do a short stretching routine every day.

Stretching can also be done seated or in bed – there are appropriate exercises to suit every body.

If you are involved in a particular sport, it may be wise to ensure your post-activity stretching regime includes relevant sport-specific stretches that target the areas you have been working out.

Most of us spend much of our time bent over either at the computer or doing other daily tasks. This causes strain not only on our back but also our pectoral muscles. A basic stretch to relieve the build up of tension in the pectoral muscles is to simply stand (or sit) with upright posture (shoulders down and relaxed, belly button pulled to the spine) and place your  hands at your ears to form a triangle.   Be sure to look straight ahead so that no pressure is placed on your cervical vertebrae and avoid pushing against the head with the hands.

For more information on stretching programs, email liz@wayfit.com.