Today is National Stretching Day

It seems like there’s a day for everything, including stretching! However, this national holiday celebrates something that can benefit anyone, at any time — stretching your body. If you’re not stretching every day, you’re missing out on the many benefits this simple task can have for your body and your lifestyle.

If you are like me, we all see those older than ourselves who have lost their independence and mobility due to physical issues.  Proactively adopting the habit of stretching can be one of the most important things that protects your physical wellness.

We can often find relief from chronic pain, back issues, and arthritis with a regular stretching routine. Additionally, good flexibility is essential because it aids in balance and decreases the risk of falling. Make sure you are proactive about maintaining flexibility in the hamstrings, hip joints, ankles, and quadriceps.

One final benefit of stretching for aging adults is that flexibility plays a role in good posture. Stretching loosens the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which has a positive impact on the overall alignment of your spine and other bones in the body.

Remember that a few small changes can have a noticeable impact on your overall flexibility.

A daily stretching routine may offer you these benefits:

·        Physical performance—Increased flexibility can make it easier and less tiring for you to do daily tasks such as lifting, bending, turning, and engaging in other repetitive movements.

·        Circulation—Stretching increases the temperature of your muscle tissue, which increases the circulation in that area. Improved circulation helps keep your tissue healthy.

·        Posture—Short, frequent stretches throughout the day can keep your muscles from getting tight. This helps you to maintain proper posture and reduce aches and pains due to tight muscles.

·        Resistance to stress-related muscle tension—By helping your muscles to relax, stretching can reduce pain associated with muscle tension.

·        Coordination and balance—Lack of flexibility can lead to loss of balance, causing falls and injuries. A regular stretching routine can help you maintain a good range of motion and prevent injuries that could lead to loss of mobility.

Feel free to reach out to me so I may help you on your new stretching routine. 

I look forward to celebrating National Stretching Day again next year!