Every morning when I wake up I’m greeted by a leading expert in stretching.
That’s how my cat Kia begins every day, and I think she may be onto something. Just another subtle reminder of the wisdom of cats.
Daily stretching can reduce stress, improve your posture and help ease back pain. It doesn’t involve expensive equipment, and it doesn’t take a lot of time. With a little creativity, you can work regular stretches into your busy day without missing a beat. Several clients have shared clever opportunities for stretching; here are a few of their ideas:
- Gentle neck stretching in the shower
- Stretching while waiting for faxes to send, microwave dinners to cook, and grocery lines to move
- Stretching at work and during bathroom breaks
- Stretching before getting out of bed and before retiring at night
Proper technique is essential whenever you fit stretching into your day. Please consult you chiropractor or physician before starting a stretching program if you are recovering from illness or injury. Here are some helpful hints when starting any stretching program:
Never stretch a cold muscle. Great options for warming up include walking, marching in place, and getting on a treadmill or exercise bike.
Keep it simple. The more complicated the stretching routine, the less likely you are to follow through with it. Ask your trainer, chiropractor or massage therapist which stretches are right for you.
Slow and steady win the race. Stretch slowly. You should feel tension or a gentle resistance when stretching, not pain. Pain can be a red flag that you are stretching too far.
Bouncing is for balls, not stretches. Stretches should be slow and deliberate. Ask your therapist how long you should hold a stretch position.
Breathe. Your muscles need oxygen to work properly.
Happy stretching!
Note: Information presented in the post is for educational and informational purposes only and it is not intended to be a substitute for the medical diagnosis, advice or treatment of physicians or other health care professionals. Information hereafter is not intended to be a substitute for the medical diagnosis, advice or treatment of physicians or other health care professionals.
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