Stretching is currently a heated and controversial subject discussed, debated and deliberated by doctors, scientists, professors and fitness professionals with many differences of opinion.  I am not about to enter into that debate.  The theories and facts believed today will be reviewed and changed tomorrow.  New theories and research is continually evolving as we learn and understand more about our bodies and how they work.  We ask, can you stretch (lengthen) a ‘muscle’ to make it longer or will it return to the same length after the stretch and cool down?  If you stretch your ligaments or joints do they stay (long) stretched?  What about tendons? 

Bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons support, assist and restrict our range of movement.  If they are not able to physically change in length (or return to the same length after stretching), how is our range of movement/flexibility improved?  Why do we stretch or need to stretch?  The answer is for most is simple, we stretch because it makes us feel good and assists us to move freely.

Is Joe Bloggs the business man or the mums at the school gate interested in the science?  For most, I’m guessing not!  However you will have your own agenda, ambitions, motivations and goals for stretching.  It could be, you want to be able to do the splits or a backbend by next summer!  If this is your desire, I would be curious and ask you why?

Flexibility and stretching, for most is not about being able to do the splits, or being a champion athlete or gymnast, it is about being able to move freely with agility and without pain.  We spend too many hours’ immobile, sitting at desks, in cars or at home relaxing or watching television.  This repeated posturing in today’s modern world is causing more detrimental effects on our health, range/freedom of movement than ever.  It is therefore imperative we move more and stretch our bodies to prevent regressive degeneration of our flexibility and movement.  Be it – muscles, joints or the bits in-between, the benefits of stretching far outweigh any arguments not to stretch.

• Practicing stretching will enhance your range of movement, allowing you to move freely in normal everyday life with less risk of injury.  Irrespective of your goals or motivation; to dig the garden, stepping onto or off the bus, getting up from the floor or dancing, the benefits are the same; ease and freedom of movement.
• Stretching makes you feel good, it relaxes the body, eases joints and releases tension.  Giving you mind, body and spirit wellbeing.
• Stretching will assist optimum posture (neutral spine) and reduce risk of back related pain.
• Stretching will improve your circulation assisting with the transportation of oxygenated blood around the body.

If you are unsure where to start, speak with a fitness professional/instructor or go to an exercise class where the emphasis is stretching.  This could be Yoga or Pilates where the exercise sessions will release tight spots in your spine and joints, strengthen supporting muscles and lengthen the whole body.  Inform the instructor of your motivations and what you want to achieve perhaps short term and long term goals.  When you have been taught safe stretching techniques; simple stretching exercises can be introduced into your everyday life.  A good instructor/trainer will give you homework!  Practice ideally every day, make it part of your daily routine (like cleaning your teeth).  Stretching practices need to be frequent or you will regress and lose any improvements you have achieved.

Keep moving and keep stretching.

Inspired Health and Fitness – The complete approach to health, fitness and wellbeing

Pauline Ward

Business Owner and Fitness Professional

Follow me on facebook: Inspired Health and Fitness 

Follow me on twitter:    @IHFcouk 

Website:                      www.inspiredhealthandfitness.co.uk

Linkedin:                      Pauline Ward

Telephone:                   07821 969405

Every week I receive enquiries asking if exercise will help manage stress!  The underlining reasons for these enquiries vary from a stressful job with the daily commute; managing the balancing act between home, children and chaotic family; occasionally it is someone undergoing IVF or a teenager studying for their GCSEs!
Life is stressful. 

The answer however is a resounding ‘yes’ exercise will help you manage your stress.  It may not take the stress away; but it will help you to control your emotions, clear your head and tackle the pressures of life today.

How is this?

• Exercise will help focus the mind.  When you exercise your mind and body have to work in harmony.  One cannot function without the other.  The exercise activity will divert your thoughts from the ‘stressful situation’ to the task at hand; ‘synchronisation of movement’.
• Exercise will stimulate breathing and muscle action which in turn will increase the supply of oxygenated blood to fuel the body.  
  
• Exercise will encourage you to control your breathing, sometimes slowing it down with deeper rhythmical breathes taking you to a more relaxed disposition.
  
• Repetitive exercise actions such as walking, running and cycling can calm the mind giving you time for contemplation (meditation).
  
• Stress and tension can manifest in the body like a coiled spring.  Stretching exercises can help release tension relaxing the body and mind.
  

As with most things in life one size will not fit all.  Try different activities; you want to do something you will enjoy something to make you feel good.  It could be fun, relaxing or even a little painful!  The proof will be in the pudding.  How do you feel at the end?  If it’s not great, try something else. 

Workout with a buddy, someone who enjoys the same activities as you do.  You are more likely to stick with it together than you are on your own. 

Make it a regular routine.  We are (mostly) creatures of habit; routine will give you a sense of order and control.

Have a quick fix when you need it; ‘bust a few moves’ from your emergency (active) tool kit.  There are some dynamic and invigoration movements to help release stress!  Only be aware of your surroundings and others around you.  I always use the example that a crowded Central Line platform may not be the best location for cartwheels! 

Relax – sometimes this is easier said than done!  If so find a class, activity or session where relaxation is taught.  Master the art of relaxation, practice and reap the benefits.  Again, relaxation techniques can be in your emergency stress busting 
tool kit.

If you are looking for innovative ideas or would like to introduce ‘Stress Buster’ sessions at home or work please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Inspired Health and Fitness – The complete approach to health, fitness and wellbeing 

Pauline Ward

Business Owner and Fitness Professional

Follow me on facebook: Inspired Health and Fitness 

Follow me on twitter:    @IHFcouk 

Website:                      www.inspiredhealthandfitness.co.uk

Linkedin:                      Pauline Ward

Telephone:                   07821 969405