Do you wake up in the morning with muscles feeling tight from the previous days activities, or during the day when performing a task, do you feel your movement is restricted and lacks range?
If this is you then you should consider introducing stretching into your daily routine and if you partake in any type of fitness regime / programme then you should definitely ensure you stretch well before and after exercising.
Stretching is the important link between the sedentary life and the active life. It keeps the muscles supple, prepares you for movement, and helps you make the daily transition from inactivity to vigorous activity without undue strain. It is especially important if you run, cycle, play tennis or engage in other strenuous exercises, because activities like these promote tightness and inflexibility. Stretching before and after you work out will keep you flexible and may prevent common injuries such as knee and lower back problems.
Here are a few benefits of regular stretching :
- you will reduce your risk of injury
- you will minimise muscle soreness
- you will improve your range of movement
- you will improve your posture
- you will feel more relaxed and less stressed
It is very important that when stretching you do it correctly. Being relaxed, stretching slowly and focusing on the muscles and not over stretching, you will find that every movement will become easier.
Rules of stretching
- warm up prior to stretching
- stretch before and after exercise
- stretch only to the point of tension
- stretch all major muscles and opposing muscle groups
- stretch slowly and gently
- breathe slowly and easily while stretching
- hold a stretch for at least 20-30 seconds
- have good posture / alignment and good technic
Although there are a few rules to follow, stretching is easy, but when it is done incorrectly it can actually do more harm than good, and that is where Purestretch comes in.
Purestretch is a fun 45 minute class that caters for everyone and all abilities. Throughout the class we stretch in many different ways to add variety and introduce stability balls, over balls, poles, yoga bricks, yoga straps, in fact anything, to improve technique and benefit from the stretch.
One of the key points to the class is to get everyone to move. Mobilise with movement and then stretch to the point of a decent stretch- nothing uncomfortable, no flinching, no shaking, no holding your breath but most definitely smiling.
There are three Purestretch classes at Unique Results and if you haven’t tried one come along and have a go. You will definitely feel the benefit of the class and may learn some new stretches to do at home or after your workout.
The days / times are: –
Monday 10:00 am
Tuesday 10:30am
Sunday 11:00am
Happy stretching!!!
References: Books – Stretching by Bob Anderson & The Anatomy of Stretching by Brad Walker