Stretching can HURT you!

We all know that stretching is good for us, but have you thought about the fact that stretching could also be harmful to us? It can be and if you are doing this you are causing more harm than good.  Muscles haven’t warmed up yet and unless you are doing dynamic stretching you are likely not improving your flexibility or your results.

Once you’ve finished your exercise now it’s time to really get into the stretching routine.  Having a prop that is literally in my line of sight is just the thing I need to remind me to finish off my exercise routine with stretching.  Sometimes when you finish working out, or even a walk or run…it’s off to the next thing! Often workout classes keep the post stretch routine down to a bare minimum for time efficiency, so we need to build it into our DAILY routine.

 

Here are two simple pieces of equipment that we both love.  Yes…Dr. Jeremy and our kids all use these too.

 

Click Here for Stretch Straps

 

Click Here for Fitness Ring

 

You can also use a belt, rope, or anything to make this work for you.  I love having these props of mine sitting in the living room so when the TV goes on or after dinner…I see my props and it reminds me to get to stretching.  And ohhhh baby…it feels sooooo good!

 

Here are seven dynamic stretches that can help you warm up before your next workout.

• Hip Circles... Stand on one leg, using a countertop for support, and gently swing the opposite leg in circles out to the side...
• Arm Circles...
• Arm Swings...
• High-Stepping...
• Heel-to-Toe Walk...
• Lunges...
• Lunges with a Twist...
• Step Up and Over...

You can do ANY or ALL of these while you walk.  I like to start with my arm circles.

So many times, when we ask patients “how often do you stretch?” the answer is… “not enough” or even “NEVER”.

Don’t let this be YOU!  Most people don’t think about stretching until something aches or it hurts…ouch!  Let’s take it up a notch in our health and wellness by being healthy by CHOICE not CHANCE.

 

Here are the benefits of stretching regularly that you may not even know about:

1. Better posture
2. Stress relief
3. Increased flexibility
4. Less aches and pains
5. Increased range of motion because it
6. lengthens your muscles
7. Reduced risk of overuse injuries
8. Improved performance
9. Relaxation

Get in the habit, just like brushing your teeth. Set a daily timer, maybe it’s part of your morning routine or even after dinner and make your muscles happy!

Cheers to becoming Healthy by choice, not chance!

By Dr. Leah Meadows