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
  • Tai Chi, martial arts
  • 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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    Recommended Resource Sites

    Exerstrider - Walking poles from Tom Rutlin. A good site for poles and information about pole/nordic walking.



    YogaDirect.com As the name implies, this site specializes in equipment used for yoga. They have excellent prices, and sell some very good exercise mats, along with other helpful equipment, books and videos.




    PowerSystems.com This is another site similar to Perform Better. They have a great variety of exercise equipment that you may find difficult to get at regular stores.




    ActiveForever.com This site has equipment that is more medically based. It may be a good alternative if you're looking for physical therapy equipment or other things that a medical person may have recommended.

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    Buy.com This site really has little to do with fitness or nutrition, but it is one of my favorite sites. They carry everything from electronics to books. Their prices are some of the most competitive on the internet, and they often offer free shipping. If I am looking to buy almost anything, I check them out first. This link is only for US and Canadian buyers.

    Buy.com


    Shoebuy.com I have a lot of trouble finding shoes that fit me right (weird foot problems), but this site often works for me. They not only have very competitive prices and a great variety of shoes, but they offer f.r.e.e shipping and f.r.e.e returns.






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