Stretching Exercises - Freedom Of Movement

Stretching exercises are about learning how to relax in a comfortable, individual way. Stretching allows you to get back in touch with your body, with the way you feel. And the more in tune you are with your body, the more active you want to be.
woman stretching

Stretching exercises are thought to give you more freedom of movement to do the things you need to do and the things you like to do. The importance of flexibility as a building block of fitness has been long overlooked. That's changing fast as people 50 and older discover the mental and physical health benefits of yoga, Tai Chi, and other mind-body exercises that embody flexibility.

An Everyday Reward

Stretching exercises help keep your muscles loose, which improves your flexibility, or ability to bend without hurting yourself. Regular stretching can make you more mobile, making it easier to bend down, as well as reach for things in cupboards. It's like a reward that you can feel every day.

There are other rewards too. Staying flexible can help you:

  • Improve and maintain your range of motion, which improves balance
  • Prevent falls
  • Relieve chronic pain
  • Reduce tension and stress
  • Improve circulation and concentration
  • Boost your energy
  • Improve your posture

    Preventing Injuries

    People often stretch to avoid getting hurt when they work out or play sports. But a recent study concluded there's no scientific evidence to show that competitive or recreational athletes who stretch before or after exercise reduce their risk of injury. The jury is still out on this issue. Stretching may have a protective effect, but it’s not known for sure.

    What's seems to be key in the injury-prevention debate is how often you stretch. Habitual stretching that you do over a period of time, such as a yoga or stretch class, can reduce your risk of injury. Acute bouts of stretching, or stretching that you do only before and after your workouts, won't reduce your risk of injury.

    Flexibility Activities

    Here are some activities you can try to improve your flexibility. They also can build strength, balance, or both:

  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Ballet, modern dance
  • Swimming
  • Balance or stability ball exercises

    Don’t Bend Over Before . . .

    When starting out, you should learn proper stretching techniques and procedures in order to minimize the chance of injury. You can look for well illustrated stretching exercises in books or online, or work with a fitness coach or other movement specialist who can help you start out right.

    If you already have tightness problems with certain parts of your body , such as your lower back, get specific guidance on the exercises that will help you the most.





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