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?
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.
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
- 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
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