"The groundwork of all happiness is health." - Leigh Hunt

Six Tips for Safe Stretching

Virtually every activity you do relies on ease of movement. Stretching may also help in quite a lot of ways. When tight muscles are accountable, it could often relieve back pain, stiff neck and knee pain. It can combat a whole lot of sitting whether you're doing it for work or a pleasurable activity. If you're a runner, tennis player, golfer, hiker or biker, the appropriate stretching program can put you on the trail to raised performance. And as you age, stretching may also help keep you mobile and versatile, making it easier to perform a myriad of on a regular basis tasks, including walking, climbing stairs or reaching.

While it's tempting to go right down the stretch, it's best to take into consideration safety first. These will show you how to get the very best flexibility gains, while reducing your risk of injury.

  1. Warm up first. Like taffy, muscles expand more easily when warm. It might be so simple as swinging your arms for five minutes or dancing to a couple of songs. Moist heat packs or warm showers are also effective first steps.
  2. Pain just isn’t felt. Stretch only to the purpose of mild tension, never to the purpose of pain. If a stretch hurts, stop immediately! Set your position fastidiously, then try again. With time and practice, your flexibility will improve.
  3. Focus on posture and good form. Posture counts whether you're sitting, standing, or moving. Good form translates to raised gains in flexibility and fewer likelihood of injury when stretching tight muscles.
  4. Focus on stretching the muscles. You will notice that one side of your body is commonly stiffer than the opposite. Work on balancing it over time.
  5. respiration. Breathe comfortably while stretching, or use yoga respiration. Whatever you do, don't hold your breath whilst you're holding the stretch.
  6. Practice often. You'll profit best for those who stretch regularly day by day, or as many days every week as possible. At the very least, aim to stretch two or 3 times every week.


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