Have You Stretched Today?

Many forget and often pay the consequences later, as stretching not only keeps our muscles flexible and limber but also helps our joints stay healthy too! Without stretching, we’re all at greater risk for strains, sprains, and muscle damage. Relatedly, tight muscles may not be strong enough to support joints – leading to further joint trouble. This is why regardless of your age or occupation, stretching daily is imperative to greater overall health and wellness!

“But I just don’t have time”

• Daily stretching doesn’t have to be an overwhelming or time-consuming addition to your daily life! You could stretch for a few minutes in the evenings while watching TV, for a few minutes before/after working out, or when you first wake up. It’s easy to look up a few stretches online or watch a quick video for inspiration on what works best for you!

  
  

Important Areas to Stretch

• For lower body: Calves, hamstrings, hip flexors, and quadriceps

• For upper body: Shoulders, neck, lower back, and arms

  
  

Tips For Stretching

• Use Active (Dynamic) Stretching in Morning: Before a workout or in the morning, practice dynamic stretching with continuous movement to increase blood flow (i.e. arm circles, leg swings, lunges)

  
  

• Hold Longer Static Stretches in Evening: After exercise or at night, hold each stretch 15–60 seconds to improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and help muscles recover while they’re warm