Stretching
Our bodies are unique and are able to cope with the stresses and strains forced upon them as a result of poor postural habits at work or physical activities such as playing sport or gardening. Beware! The body can only cope for a certain amount of time.
Not only do our muscles and joints have to cope with external influences as we age, our muscles also progressively become tighter. The flexibility within our joints reduce, thus decreasing the body mechanism to cope. Aging affects parts of the body differently and slows an active lifestyle and even hinders day-to-day activities. Some people develop tight hamstrings, while others have tight neck and shoulders muscles. If you have tight hamstrings this can affect your back and cause lower back pain, and tight neck muscles can lead to headaches and even dizziness.
Stretching helps to balance muscle groups that might be overused during exercise or physical training or as a result of bad posture. When a joint has limited range of motion, muscles, tendons and ligaments are at risk to strains and sprains. When you stretch on a regular basis the length of your muscles and tendons is increased. As a result of this, muscle tension is minimised and normal range of movement is increased thus improving muscle balance and posture. The more flexible and pliable your muscles, the less chance you will be prone to injuries.
Everyone can learn how to stretch and it is great for all ages and levels of flexibility. It’s not only great for the body but also good for the mind as it induces a sense of well-being and relaxation. Whether you are at work in front of the computer, just finished your exercise program or watching your favourite TV show, there is no excuse! Stretching can be done almost anywhere and at anytime and is easily incorporated as part of your daily routine.