What's the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? If you're like me, you stretch your arms out over your head while pointing your toes and straightening your legs. Yes, we all do it! Stretching, that is. When we don't move as much as we need to, our muscles get tight. Stretching helps to lengthen the muscles and prevent stiffness. But did you know there are other benefits to stretching?
Easing Pain & Soreness
Stretching helps to ease the pain and soreness that often comes after intense physical activity. Did you push yourself hard during your workout yesterday? Stretching can help relieve the stiffness and soreness your muscles are feeling today!
Increasing Range of Motion
Did you know that as we age, our range of motion becomes more and more limited? Stretching can help you to maintain your current range of motion, and can even help us to get some of that range of motion back.
Increased Energy
Did you know that stretching increases your blood circulation? This translates to increased energy for you.
Relaxation
In this stress-filled world we live in, everyone can you a little R&R, right? Proper stretching can help reduce tension in the muscles, and a relaxed body leads to a relaxed mind.
Decreased Menstrual Pain
Yep, it's true - there's evidence that suggests that women who stretch daily have less painful periods than those who don't.
Stretching Exercises
So what types of stretches should I be doing? This chart is a helpful chart with moves that cover most large muscle groups (click on the image to enlarge). If you're looking for a stretch for a particular group of muscles, feel free to contact me with any questions!
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