WHYSTRETCHING ISGOODFOR OU

Stretching can offer much more than relief from stiff muscles. It’s vital for staying fit and flexible, as the experts explain…

doesn’t bring the benefits we once thought. Holding a stretch position for a period slows down the rate at which a muscle fires. That’s not good when you start exercising after static stretching.”

If you are going to perform a static stretch, do it after walking or cycling or your other choice of exercise.

Dynamic stretches, however, should become a regular routine. For example, if you periodically get up from your chair to stretch, do it dynamically.

“Stand up and do repetitive stretches. Maybe twist from side to side, reach your arms up and down – keep moving rather than sustaining a static stretch. That way you increase your circulation, burn some calories and oxygenate your muscles, body and brain.

“If you are working in an office, dynamic stretching brings huge benefits to thought processes. It gives an enhanced feeling of well-being if you do it long enough to produce some endorphins, the feelgood chemicals induced through exercise. “Dynamic stretching can help keep muscles toned – and also reduce back pain and joint pain in the knees and shoulders.” Benefits of repetitive stretching movements can also be gained in clever choices of exercise classes such as Tai Chi, Pilates and Body Balance. “If you want something more intensive and aerobic, try other martial arts such as kick boxing and karate,” suggests Lucy. “Or dancing, which can combine a large range of motion with dynamic repetitive stretching movements and cardio benefits. “Some of my female patients who do not enjoy the atmosphere of some gyms and weights areas have taken up acrobatics and pole dancing!”