Flexing your ability

The latest trend in fitness is all about flexibility, so I thought I would offer some facts…

When talking about flexibility, i'm not referring to hot yoga or being able to wrap your legs around your neck, I’m referring to simple stretches that enable you to perform everyday activities with relative ease.

WHY IS STRETCHING IMPORTANT?

As our flexibility tends to deteriorate with age, often due to a more sedentary lifestyle it is important we stay as mobile as possible. Stretching will restore your optimal range of movement, significantly reduce the risk of injury, occasional and chronic back pain, help to keep us youthful, (yes I did say youthful) and for those who train regularly will enhance your performance in aerobic training and muscular conditioning.

With clients I use flexibility training as there active relaxation, which will help improve there mental and physical recovery, enabling them to become more in tune with there body.

WHAT ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS OF STRETCHING?

There are two elements to flexibility and suppleness. The first is your ability to easily lengthen your muscles - which can be improved by static stretches and the other relates to the range of motion around your joints, which is improved by gentle movements like rolling your shoulders or swinging your arms.

ESSENTIAL DAILY STRETCHES

Overhead strap stretch – to improve posture

Whist standing, hold a tie or dressing gown cord in front of you. With both hands, raise it over your head with your hands wide, arms at a 90-degree angle, then draw your elbows back and hold.

Calf stretch

Stand on the edge of the stairs and keeping your leg straight, drop the left heel off the edge, hold and then swap sides.

Hamstring and Lower Back stretch

Firstly, stand behind a chair with your hands on the top, shoulder width apart. Walk backwards until you fold forwards, trying not to round your back and hold.

Secondly, try a ‘lying twist’ to ease tension in the hips, sides and lower body.

Lie on your back, bend both legs and place your feet on the floor. Stretch your arms out at shoulder height and lower both legs to the floor on the left and relax. Repeat on the other side.

So in brief, try to stretch 4 days a week if not daily and hold each stretch for 30 seconds where possible and remember, stretching should never be painful!

Good luck guys!!

Lisa

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