Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos—the trees, the clouds, everything. ~Thích Nhất Hạnh
STRETCHING
Below you will find a good explanation of why you should stretch and I have attached three sheets of easy stretches you can print off and put on your wall to follow. First warm up before you stretch so that your muscles are warmed up and relaxed. If you don't have time to do warm ups, just stretch after a nice warm shower.
As always, I look forward to seeing you at my studio
I can not emphasize enough how important it is to stretch all your muscle groups on a daily basis. We all seem to be focused on cardiovascular workouts and strength training - which is great! However, when it comes to stretching there are very few who understand the importance of keeping their muscles healthy.
Muscles, like other tissues in our body, need to be well circulated and healthy. We spend most of our day in the same posture. By not stretching, we continue to overuse and fatigue our muscles, making them short and tight. In return, we form adhesions and connective tissue that is not needed, decrease circulation, decrease flexibility, increase the risk of tendonitis, increase aches and pain.
The typical muscle groups that are affected:
Low back
Upper back
Neck
Forearm
Hip and pelvis
Chronic stress, repetetive movements and stationary postures lead to decreased blood circulation,
weak and tensed muscles and finally adhesions. Muscles also start forming trigger points.
What is a Trigger Point?
A Trigger Point is a hyperirritable spot in skeletal muscle that is associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers referring pain else where.
Why S-T-R-E-T-C-H?
To reduce muscle tension
To increase Range of Motion
To increase circulation of blood
To increase energy levels
To decrease your risk of injury!
The "Upper Cross Syndrome" is a common workplace problem that everyone is faced with. Also known as Computer User Posture / Slouched posture causing:
Long term muscular changes
TIGHT: pectoralis & upper back muscles
WEAK: anterior neck muscles & mid back muscles
Symptoms include headaches, tension in shoulders and neck pain
The "Lower Cross Syndrome" is very common due to prolonged sitting postures causing:
TIGHT: hip flexors (psoas muscle) and erector spinae
WEAK : abdominals, gluteals and hamstrings
Symptoms include low back pain, hip pain and increased tension
When stretching your muscles, always remember to hold the stretch of atleast 20-30 seconds and repeat atleast 3 times EVERYDAY! Stretching will take very little time from your day and in return will keep your muscles healthy !
Print off these exercises below and start stretching today!
