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How The Best Stretching Routines Can Improve your Health
The best stretching routines can be tailored to your specific needs, meaning if you have a problem area that is giving you pain or limiting your movement, you can focus specifically on this. Stretching on a regular daily basis is a positive step towards improving your fitness and living a healthy lifestyle.
Maybe you are thinking that having yet another routine to cram into your busy life is just too much? And anyway you already stretch when you yawn or reach up to the top shelf in the supermarket! Well, that was me too, I didn't feel the need to have a stretching routine, I thought regular Pilates classes 2 or 3 times a week should be enough.
Even so, I recently realized that my lower back is stiffer and aches more than it used to and that led me to start using some good stretching exercises to loosen the stiff muscles.
By following simple guidelines you can develop some of the best stretching routines yourself. We'll start with start with basic advice.
Know your limits - tension is fine but pain definitely is not.
No bouncing - move gently and smoothly to the limit of the stretch.
Hold the stretch for around 15-20 seconds, enjoy it! Don't rush.
Don't stretch too hard, go smoothly and gently into the stretch.
Try to perform the stretch correctly but we can't all achieve the perfect position immediately or ever.
Be aware of your posture and technique.
Remember we are trying to improve our flexibility, strength etc. from the perspective of a busy woman who is looking to improve her lifestyle, that's you, and not an athlete, or someone doing a sport or activity to a higher level.
You may have heard the term 'dynamic stretching' used by health professionals. Dynamic stretching should really only be done under guidance and supervision as it can cause injury if used incorrectly, so I'm leaving it out of this discussion.
Video Examples of Stretching Routines
The following two videos are good examples of good stretching exercises that can be found online, these are from www.medicaltoday.net.
The second video is a continuation from the first so please don't skip it. You can either follow the videos and stretch along with them or use them to help you develop your best stretching routine.
You should by now have a pretty good idea about the importance of stretching exercises and be ready to create the best stretching routine for you. Do you want to stay flexible and strong, avoid strains and injury, and improve your posture?
Learn how to stretch properly with The Stretching Handbook by Bradley E. Walker of The Stretching Institute. Since 1995 The Stretching Institute has been at the cutting edge of research and development into the field of stretching, flexibility and sports injury management.
The fact is, I use the Stretching Handbook and DVD myself so I know you wont be disappointed. Why wait? Join over 30,000 satisfied users!
Welcome! I'm Tiffany - fifty something midlifer - 20 years experience! This site is packed with advice and information to help you get the most out of life by becoming, healthier, fitter, happier and ultimately taking you to a more satisfying future. C'mon, let's do it together!
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