In for a stretch
SPENDING a tonne on postworkout massages and foam rollers? It’s time to go back to basics.
When was the last time you had a good stretch? Remember how good it felt?
Compared to a massage, stretching has similar or better results long and short term, and also for recovery.
Post-workout recovery is overlooked and often limited to a 30-minute massage, leaving our performance nowhere near as great as it could be and our bodies more prone to injury. This year we’ve seen a steady rise in new and improved recovery protocols: the icy chill of cryotherapy, an increase in prioritising sleep, foam rolling, infra-red saunas and tech that helps optimise how much rest you need based on your energy output.
But it isn’t all fancy temperature-controlled treatments and wellness gadgets. The simple practice of stretching is making a comeback. Touching your toes has a load of post-workout benefits, doesn’t cost a cent and doesn’t even require leaving the house.
After a crop of ‘stretch studios’ (like a fitness studio, physio, chiro hybrid) started popping up, the easy and effective way to help with muscle recovery, improve your range of motion and boost flexibility was back on to our radars.
Stretching is super easy – anyone can do it. Benefits range from reducing muscle aches and pains, reducing risk of injury, speeding recovery, improving posture and even helping manage stress. Better than a $60 massage? We think so. There are apps – try Stretching Sworkit (free, at App Store) or Stretching Exercises (free, at Google Play).
Think of it as necessary body maintenance and tack a few minutes of bending before and after a workout. If you’re big on recovery or looking for ways to boost your Zs, try to get 10 minutes in before bed.
Start by touching your toes, cat cow, downward dog, hamstring and calf stretches, work your hip flexors, put your arms overhead and get down to your back and torso.