Stretch Your Limits

Stretch Your Limits

This week I did a very interesting talk at the HELP library in Mumbai - Stretch..Release..Go. It was a talk with demo. The audience comprised middle aged and older men who did not exercise at all. It was very encouraging to watch them making sincere attempts to stretch during the demo.

I felt really good when each one of them thanked me profusely at the end of the talk and left with the promise that they would make stretching an essential part of their daily routine.

Stretching Program

Now for starters, why did I choose this topic? It’s very common for fitness gurus to talk for hours on the importance of exercise and diet. Stretching, a very important part of the fitness regimen, has always neglected. Stretching can be the answer to some of your physical ailments and problems.

Stretching comes naturally to all of us. Many a times, when we have been sitting in a particular position for a long time, we stretch our arms, or move our head from side to side. That feels good!

If you follow a stretching program consistently every day, for just 10 to 15 minutes, it will not only give you that feel-good factor, but also help you to get rid of some of your aches and pains and make your day-to-day movements easy. The best time to stretch is afternoon or evening, when blood circulation is at its peak. And remember: Never stretch to a position where pain is felt. Stop if you feel pain. You have gone too far. The aim should be to feel a comfortable stretch.

Why stretch at all?

-        Everyone does not have the time and energy to work out every day. Some lack motivation. Stretching is the solution. Stretching can be a workout by itself

-        Some want to start an exercise schedule but don’t know how to begin. Start with a stretching program for a week. This will increase your flexibility and help you exercise better. No injuries or sore muscles.

Neck

This is the most neglected part of our body. Even those who exercise regularly ignore their neck muscles. The human head weighs up to 4.5 kg and your delicate neck has to support that weight. It also controls the movement of your head. Although the neck muscles are strong, they are prone to injury.

People also tend to hold stress in their neck muscles which can lead to pain, stiffness and inflammation. Stretching your neck can relieve the tension.

-         Many drive long distances, sit before their computers for hours in the same static posture or sit at their desk and work with their heads bent.  The neck muscles are very stressed out in such people.

-         Some people have bad posture. They sit with their backs rounded. Weakness in neck muscles takes the form of chronic pain. In most cases, stiff neck and pain in the neck region may eventually move on to the arms as well.

Shoulders and Back

Along with the neck, we carry a lot of stress in our shoulders. The other sensitive area in our body is the back. The back muscles are always stressed throughout the day, whether we are sitting, walking or doing anything at all. Lower back pain is the most common complaint. And most people take it for granted.

Benefits of Stretching

-         Increases flexibility and range of movement in the joints

-         Enhances performance in daily life

-         Improves posture

-         Mental relaxation

-         Prevents some injuries, aches and pains

-         Enhances muscular coordination

-         Increases circulation to various parts of the body

-        Increases energy levels (resulting from increased circulation)

For more, have a look at my talk on youtube: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju1FcCqU_Vk