You should be stretching more.
Do more Yoga. That’s it. That is the blog post. I’m just kidding, I love yoga and do it multiple times a week and the benefits of it are awesome. Now on to the actual blog post.
Stretching is super important to maintain a healthy and flexible body. Regular stretching provides a whole list of benefits, including increased flexibility, improved circulation, reduced muscle soreness, and improved posture.
Stretching also helps to reduce the risk of injury during physical activities by warming up the muscles and increasing their range of motion. It can also alleviate aches and pains caused by poor posture or a sedentary lifestyle.
Furthermore, stretching can help to reduce stress by promoting relaxation and mindfulness. This is actually one of my favorite parts of yoga. I do hot yoga and love that it’s also a mental workout to overcome the heat.
Consistent stretching should be a part of everyone's fitness routine, whether you are an athlete or simply looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
There are different types of stretching techniques that target different muscle groups and serve different purposes.
Static stretching: involves holding a stretch position for a brief period, typically 20-30 seconds, and is beneficial for improving overall flexibility.
Dynamic stretching: involves moving the joints and muscles through a full range of motion and is effective for warming up before exercise.
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching: involves holding a stretch while contracting and relaxing the muscle being stretched and is ideal for increasing range of motion.
Here are 4 steps to get started.
As a beginner, starting to stretch may seem daunting, I know when I started my toes seemed like they were in another room and I would never reach them, but it doesn't have to be.
1- Start by setting aside a dedicated time each day to stretch. Depending on your lifestyle and schedule that may mean stretching in the morning, at lunch or before going to bed.
2- Focus on basic stretches that target major muscle groups, like the hamstrings, quads, and back.
3- Start with gentle movements and increase the depth of the stretch over time. Remember to breathe and relax into each stretch. As your flexibility improves, gradually incorporate more advanced stretches and hold each stretch for a longer duration.
4- Always listen to your body and avoid pushing beyond your limits. With consistent practice, you'll develop a healthy habit that not only enhances your physical performance but also helps you relax and reduce stress.
Following a stretching plan can help you achieve awesome benefits.
A well-designed stretching plan involves a combination of dynamic and static stretches, which are tailored to your specific needs and goals. By following a plan that has been tailored to you, you can ensure that you are stretching all necessary muscle groups while avoiding overstretching, which can be counterproductive. A good stretching plan should help you track your progress and identify areas for improvement. Following a plan to stretch is important for improving physical fitness, preventing injuries, and achieving optimal performance.
Neurosomatic Massage Therapy is an effective method for improving stretching and range of movement. This type of massage therapy is based on an understanding of the relationship between the neuromuscular system and the skeletal system. By using specific techniques, Neurosomatic Massage can help release tension and pain in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that are causing a restriction in movement.
One of the main ways that Neurosomatic Massage Therapy helps improve stretching and range of movement is by working with trigger points. Trigger points are localized areas of muscle tension and inflammation that can cause pain and stiffness. These trigger points can often limit the range of motion in a joint or muscle group. Through gentle pressure and manipulation, a Neurosomatic Massage Therapist can identify and release these trigger points, allowing the muscle to relax and the joint to move more freely.
Neurosomatic Massage Therapy can also help improve posture, which can have a positive impact on stretching and range of motion. Poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances and tension, which can restrict movement and cause discomfort. By releasing tension and correcting muscle imbalances through massage therapy, a person can improve their posture and reduce pain and discomfort while stretching. Through its focus on releasing trigger points, myofascial release, and improving posture, Neurosomatic Massage can help increase flexibility and mobility, allowing individuals to move with greater ease and comfort.
As a certified personal trainer I often incorporate stretching plans for my clients to do outside the treatment room. I am only with my clients for a small amount of time each week, what they do in between treatments makes a huge difference.
