Stretching for Your Health by Holli Magill

We put our bodies through so much each and every day, I wonder, how many of us really appreciate all the hard work that is done for us?

Keeping our bodies in toned condition so that we are able to continue our daily routines is a big job, and one that shouldn’t go without attention. But, just like me, we all tend to turn our attention to the immediate things going on and we keep pushing off our duty to our amazing selves; Our physical selves.

Stress, overtime at the job, running the kids, shopping, getting dinner on the table, daily chores to keep your life going all takes energy. We need to keep our bodies tuned up so that that energy can keep flowing properly.

There are many benefits of stretching, include preparing the body for exercise routines, such as in aerobic activity and strength training when the muscles flex and contract. You need to take care of the muscles needed to work up that sweat and get the heart pumping. By taking care of your muscles, your whole workout will be improved.

The benefits of stretching are numerous. Increased circulation, improved balance, flexibility, and coordination keep the body lithe and supple. The ability to move the joints in a full range of motion gains importance with age. Stretching promotes range of motion that is needed in everyday life.

Simply a few minutes in the morning before you start your day, and periodically through your day, will help in so many ways; especially if you perform a repetitive routine. As a massage therapist, it is necessary to not only routinely exercise, but to stretch before and in between clients to keep our muscles at peak performance. Body mechanics and posture is the route of wellness that goes hand-in-hand with stretching.

Your muscles have memory, so if you think it’s been too long since you last stretched, it probably has been, but it’s never too late to get those muscles moving again. You’ll see, your body will reward you with tone, and energy.....and you won’t mind passing the full
length mirror either.

Stay healthy, consult a physician before beginning any new physical activity, and always listen to what your body is telling you. No exercise should hurt. Stay well, and be happy.