Stretch Yourself... (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Stretch Yourself...

2:52pm Saturday 1st September 2012 in Blogs 2013 By Adrienne Wilson

Since joining the not so exclusive “40” club I have become increasingly aware of every ache and pain and slightly neurotic about any twinge that deems to rear it's ugly head. So I have now decided that perhaps it is about time I started to listen to a little of my own advice and stretch more – I hasten to add I don't mean the kind of stretching one does before they get out of bed in a morning!

It is no secret that with each passing year joints and muscles become stiffer and tighter. Sadly this is part of the aging process and the result of inactivity and physical degeneration. Obviously we can't stop the aging process, we can however keep fit and maintain flexibility with an active lifestyle. Now, when I say active I don't necessarily mean you have to suddenly start running marathons and taking part in triathlons, or endurance cycle races. It could a be a little swimming, some zumba, yoga, little light gym work or even just out walking or gentle jogging.

As we have just seen with the London Olympics there are so many different sports out there that sadly most of us know little about. So the slogan “Inspiring a Generation” shouldn't just be about the kids, it should be a message to all of us.

Leading on from the sports themselves, an activity that few of us partake in is stretching. Stretching, as those of you who do yoga and pilates will know, is something that will help us to maintain a good level of mobility as we age. Half an hour of stretching per day can make a huge difference to our flexibility and mobility. We don't need to be getting ourselves into weird and wonderful positions, just basic movements such as reaching down to touch our toes, stretching up as far as we can reach, arms outstretched in front of us and pulled up behind our backs are a start.

I know from my own personal experience, that since I started Pilates last year my mobility has improved and my back ache has lessened, and believe me when you are doing anything up to 8 sports massage treatments per day, this really is a god send.

Don't just stretch your body, stretch your mind too.

If you are interested in learning how to stretch or would like a personal stretch program, contact me through my website www.bewdleysportsmassage.co.uk or give me a call on 07875 161880