I used to think that stretching was a waste of time. A precursor or endcap for the "Real" workout. The first time I took a yoga class I wondered when it would end... Fast forward a few years and I am now teaching yoga (which is ironically where I met my Husband who was more interested in picking up ladies than taking yoga, but that is another story...)
I feel like many people think stretching is a waste of time. But, it is not! Here is why it's important...
1) Helps keep you mobile. This matters more as you age and if you sit too much (which most of us do).
2) Helps keep you from getting injured. If you do not stretch and your muscles become shortened over time, you can risk injury. This is even more true if you are sedentary all week and then a "Weekend Warrior" and you increase your activity level substantially on the weekends.
3) Stretching helps you relax, and can be a factor in reducing your stress hormone levels. Most people still subscribe to the "no pain, no gain" theory of exercise. This can backfire if you raise your stress hormone levels too much. Often, active rest and easy forms of exercise like stretching, pilates and walking are a great way to keep moving without stressing our your body so you can heal.
I hope you feel like stretching is important. We have a few resources we think you will find helpful. The first one is dynamic mobility workout which takes you through a full range of motion. It makes a great warmup or beginner workout if you haven't been active lately.
The second video is a slower, more flowing yoga workout. This would be great after a workout or to help relax.
Hope you find these helpful!
If you want more of our content on social media or would like to reach out for a FREE Functional medicine discovery call, just click below!
Yours in health,
Dr. Jeni
Comments