Rest Day
Strengthening Stretches – Week 3, Day 20
Improve Mobility
Strengthen Muscles
level
min
If you think of your body as a machine, you could consider stretching as maintenance for that machine. Stretching can strengthen your muscles, promote blood flow, maintain bone density and reduce joint pain – plus your body will thank you as you get older!
Without stretching, your muscles can shorten and become tight which will leave them weak and unable to extend all the way when you try to put them to use properly.
Sudden stretching from strenuous activities after minimal mobility – as if you were to go from sitting all day to immediately playing tennis – means that muscles can be damaged, causing a painful and frustrating result.
If you’re wanting to improve your flexibility, it would be good to focus on the stretching exercises found within yoga, tai chi, and pilates classes. All three of these options will improve your daily mobility and spatial navigation as well as your results in your workouts.
For those who are focussing on lifting weights in their exercise regime, it’s important to make sure your back has all of the reinforcement it needs. Remember, while posture is vital, it’s also important to provide your joints and muscles with the mobility to do their best work.
Remember to speak with a qualified professional if you experience any lingering pain while stretching.
