Tuesday's Tip - The Daily Stretch

Do you stretch?  How flexible are you?  Are your mind and body rigid or in need of some flexibility?

Often times, people start an exercise routine gung-ho!  They're going to do 30 minutes on the treadmill 5 day a week or build more and more muscles.  They're excited, ambitious and STIFF.  While most people are aware of the importance of cardio or strength building, they scoff at the idea of stretching as if it's just for 90-pound ballerinas. 

Which do you think is easier to do--the elliptical when your muscles feel stiff and rigid or when they feel warmed-up and flexible?  Even animals are smart enough to stretch.  So if you wish to have a more flexible body, you can start by STRETCHING your neck, shoulders, arms, back, legs and even your feet.  If you're on the computer often, you can do exercises for your wrists and eyes.  For myself, I'm surprised by how relieved my body feels when I stretch it. 

So today's tip is before you bombard the gym with your energy or bond with your computer, STRETCH.

Here's a link for further tips on stretching -
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/stretching/allstretches.php
http://www.elenatherapy.com/pdf/OWS.pdf

Next week's tip will be on stretching the mind.