Get Up and Stretch

By Laura Kelly-Pifer

Imagine this.  You’re sitting at your desk, you’ve been working on a project for quite some time.  You feel tense in your upper back and in your neck.  You decide to get up and then stretch.  Feels good, right!?!  Yep, it sure does.  Stretching has many benefits and even more so when we do it regularly.

Here’s just a few reasons why:

• Reduced muscle tension
• Increased range of movement in the joints
• Enhanced muscular coordination
• Increased circulation of the blood to various parts of the body
• Increased energy levels (resulting from increased circulation)

Regardless of age or flexibility, stretching is something that anyone can do and should be added to your daily routine.  Plan little breaks through out your workday while in front of the computer or in the evening while you’re watching television.  You can also add stretching into your workout routine between sets so you’ll save time at the end.

One of the greatest advantages of stretching when you are physically active is that it helps increase your range of motion.  Think about much further you might be able to extend your arm or how much higher you could kick.   And, if it helps prevent or reduce the severity of an injury because you’ve got joints and muscles that are warmed and ready to go, even better!

Here’s a quick 2 minute video to see why Tony Horton, creator of P90X and Debbie Seibers, creator of Slim in 6 recommend stretching.

Ready to get up and stretch?  I hope so.  If you found this post to be of any value to you, please SHARE it below!

Wishing you good health!

Laura

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