Hello World!   Hope you’re doing well! I am! 🙂  Today I am going to add another page to link with my blog posts. This will be a “Resources Page”. I want to share the online sites I like & use, & I’ll also tell you my honest opinion of them:  both positive & negative.  I am also going to share some

good info I found on the benefits of stretching as part of your exercise routine, & how it may keep you younger longer…

Stretching May Be the Undervalued Key to Youth

It doesn’t matter if you’re 35, 55, 75 or 95 years old. The actual number of years you’ve spent in your body is far less important than how old you feel; & you absolutely don’t need to feel your age.

As we get older, many of us focus on keeping our bodies fit through intense exercise like high-intensity interval training, cardio or strength

training with weights. But there is one form of fitness that often goes by the wayside—stretching.  With all of the exercise Americans are doing, whether it’s biking, running, swimming or Crossfit—our muscles are becoming very contracted, inflexible & overworked. We are simply not stretching enough, & it’s making many of us feel 10 years older than we should.

Stretching for Longevity

Stretching is one of the most undervalued forms of fitness. There is a

tendency to rush through warm-ups & cool-downs & neglect to give our muscles proper time to lengthen & relax. But if you dedicate a little time each day, stretching will keep your body feeling younger for a whole lot longer. Regular stretching exercises preserve a healthy range of motion which keeps posture healthy, helps prevent joint degeneration & improves overall fitness performance.

Keep Moving Your Joints by Stretching

Stretching & moving your joints through their entire range of motion also

supports healthy lymph flow. Unlike the circulatory system, lymph relies on motion & gravity to keep it flowing through the body. Otherwise, lymph becomes stagnant, which renders it less effective & disease prone. Since your lymph is responsible for trapping unwanted bacteria, cells & toxins for removal, it’s pretty important that you take care of it. Fully utilizing your range of motion also loosens up the synovial fluid in the joints, which assists with joint health. Healthy synovial fluid helps to stave off the inflammatory joint diseases that become more common with old age, like arthritis. So, start stretching!

Static & Dynamic Stretching

However, it is important to know that there are different types of stretching, & there is some controversy as to whether static stretching or

dynamic stretching is more beneficial. According to some studies, if you’re warming up for activity, static stretching (holding a position for 30+ seconds) may actually weaken muscles & hinder performance. In fact, studies & analyses have recommended that static stretching not be the sole warm-up prior to any activity. Dynamic stretching, in which you move through lengthening positions, is a lot more beneficial before a workout. Yoga is technically a form of dynamic stretching.

Stretching & Breathing

If you are simply stretching before bed, it’s important to do the types of stretches that feel most beneficial to you & to breathe into them. Dynamic

stretch or static, breathing allows your muscles & nervous system to fully release, making it the most important thing to remember as you create a more regular stretching program for yourself.

If you’re looking to embark upon your own stretching routine, you could either try yoga classes (online or in a studio) or start with some simple and free yoga routines. It’s important to keep yourself physically flexible; you’ll feel younger and more injury resistant. And don’t forget the sheer pleasures that can be had from being able to touch your toes any time you want! Flexibility beats stiff, rusty limbs any day.

---

I do stretches as part of my exercise routines & believe in it’s benefits. I’ve done them for years. Whether you walk, run, etc., try to incorporate some stretching into your routine when you start exercising. You will find yourself more limber & able to exercise easier as a result. Try it if you’re not already doing so…

 

Save