Stretching. We’ve spoken about staying healthy and fit by sticking to a good diet, running and even taking a ballet class. What we haven’t discussed is the importance of stretching. When I was working both as a personal trainer and a Pilates instructor, this topic was always fraught with controversy.
How important is stretching? Do you stretch before a workout or post workout? Do you even need to stretch at all? Personally I am a huge fan of stretching. Functional flexibility is vital to your very well being. I don’t mean that you need to be able to do the splits, to do a high kick or even to touch your toes. Just simply working on your elasticity will help protect you as you get older. Being pain-free and agile is a good thing.
Some benefits of stretching include:
-Improved flexibility. Yes this is possible for everyone. Even something so simple as reaching for an item can cause injury if your muscles don’t respond accordingly.
-Preparing your muscles for everyday allows your body to be ready for everyday movements. Picture yourself slipping and sliding on an icy sidewalk. If your muscles are relaxed and can respond accordingly you are much more likely to remain standing.
-Keeping your muscles loose allows for better circulation. This is vital as blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to your muscles which in turn helps with recovery. Think less soreness post workout.
-Posture. This is something I fought all my clients on when I was teaching Pilates. It’s simple; muscles have the ability to shift your bones. If, for example, your chest is super tight but your back isn’t (think hours spent working at a computer) then you’ll get a hunched look. Now let’s leave the multitude of health issues behind for a moment. For the sake of looking great in a new top, or to show off a fabulous statement necklace, how can you possibly stand tall when your body isn’t cooperating. Trust me when I say that having a balanced skeleton does wonders for your looks and, not to mention, pain control.
The best part about stretching is that you don’t need to spend hours and hours doing it each day. Just a few minutes a day will do. Post workout, leave yourself 10-15 minutes for a nice deep relaxing stretch. In order to prevent injury, remember to always warm up before any intense stretching. So what are you waiting for? Join a class at your local gym or take a few minutes at home to clear your mind, breathe easy and stretch those muscles!
Is stretching a part of your regular fitness routine?
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44 Comments
I don’t know what you got but whenever you write something it always implies to my real life situation haha! Stretching is what I really need since I am engaged with my executive chair for almost 10hrs a day whew! I have been recently in love with some sort of morning exercise but since I can’t manage to get up early everyday to jog, stretching will help me a lot! 🙂 Great photos and blog post Caroline! Stay fab 🙂
Hugs and Kisses from #missjhenz
Oh that’s so awesome, thank you so much! I think that if you get up and stretch every couple of hours you will feel much better!
xo
styleontheside.com
i love sport! such an interesting post!
I posted a new article, I’d love to know your opinion
would you like to pass from my blog?
tr3ndygirl.com
kiss
Thank you for stopping by!
xo
My sister talks about stretching, I can understand why, the muscles tends to be stiff without 😉 Speak from experience.
They do, she’s absolutely right. Listen to her!
xo
Really interesting this post, full of tips… tnx for sharing Caroline!!!!
Kisses doll!
My pleasure thanks for stopping by!
xo
That looks amazing! I always stretch when I go to the gym but I still should do so much more though….
I wrote this post with you in mind! You will feel so great with regular stretching!
xo
that looks like so much fun!
Thankfifi
p.s. thanks so much for your sweet comment on my post.x
My pleasure! Thanks, I really love Pilates and how it stretches my muscles while strengthening them!
xo
No way that’s you, that is too awesome!!
Jenn
Check out my blog here: blondetruth.blogspot.com
Thanks! Yeah, those pics were taken quite a few years ago though…
xo
Love this post,this is very important <3
Thanks and I agree!
xo
Well, this is inspiring!! Lord knows I need a good stretch physically and mentally!I had no idea you taught Pilates…well, I am being so lazy at the moment. I did go through a patch that lasted for about a wk, where I dancercised each morning and stretched, but erm, then I stopped. Its snowing in Berlin now, so thats making me even lazier. I know it all starts with one step, one skip, one jump, but, erm…
I know what you mean about getting lazy…that happens all the time but if I do regular stretch then somehow not working out doesn’t seem to affect my body as much!
xo
I am horrible at stretching and I’ve got to be better. I know it will truly help as I get older. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and tips. Hope you are doing great!!
xoAmy
http://www.dreamingincashmere.com
Such a good reminder! I always feel better when I take the time to stretch. Even five minutes in the morning is a good way to wake up!
Agreed! I don’t seem to stretch often enough!
xo
I practice Pilates twice a week and always do stretching after workout. But I don’t mind to do before and after I really love stretching! ;D I feel as if I grow up! hahaha…
Joking aside… Great post dear! And you looks great so professional !
Kisses
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Thank so you so so much! Stretching does make you appear taller!
xo
Well done hunn!
<3
http://www.supongoestilo.blogspot.nl
Thank you so much!
xo
Girl you’ve got some skills… I do enjoy stretching in fact I prefer it over a regular work out… very inspiring..
Hope
hchdesigns.blogspot.com
No, but it needs to be! I always feel so much more energized after a good stretch in the morning. Gotta jump back on the bandwagon!
xo,
Stephanie
Diary of a Debutante
http://www.stephanieziajka.blogspot.com
Great plan! I’m taking my own advice too!
xo
Great tips!
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Thank you!
xo
I always make stretching when I do my workout! That’s so important!
Kisses
Francesca http://everydaycoffee23.blogspot.it
Stretching is so vital after workout, excellent!
xo
stretching also feels so good after a long workout! great tips!
xoxo
Absolutely, I love stretching for how relaxed I feel afterwards!
xo
how fun is this!? xx
http://www.vicariousLA.com
Thanks!
xo
I agree with you stretching is so important! Its amazing how just taking 5 mins out of your day to stretch can make all the difference. I used to do a lot of hot yoga and I love it! But I recently fell out of my routine after I moved, I really need to get back to it…i felt it was the best way for my body to get a good stretch!
xo, Jackie
http://www.stylemydreams.wordpress.com
Oh I need a good hot yoga class right now. Get a foam roller it’s soooo amazing!
xo
Babe! I adore your blog soo much!! I’m your newest follower on Bloglovin’ :-).. Hope you can follow back!
Love,
Noor
http://queenofjetlags.com
Awe thanks so much for that lovely comment!
xo
this is such an interesting post!
I posted a new article, I’d love to know your opinion
would you like to pass from my blog?
tr3ndygirl.com
kiss