Why do we need to stretch?
Stretching is vital for muscle repair between your workouts. Stretching helps to bring length back into the body, after a day of sitting, working at the desk or driving. Moving consistently or overusing our muscles naturally leads to muscle tightness. When we neglect stretching and lengthening our muscles, we start to hold tension which limits our ability to build strength and tone. This tightness and tension often leads to injuries as our muscles are not functioning – contracting and releasing – efficiently. Beyond this, a good stretch feels amazing and is a great tool to relax the body and mind.
What are the benefits of stretching?
The key benefits of stretching include:
• Addresses imbalances to effectively balance the body
• Improves mobility and function of the muscles and body as a whole
• Reduces pain and discomfort from habits we adopt through daily activities
• Promotes mindfulness and relaxation
My philosophy is that in order for the body to work effectively, it needs to be balanced. The Fluidform movement method incorporates stretching to address any imbalances, improve mobility and function to move efficiently, free of pain. When we achieve this, we see results that go beyond physical change but promote an overwhelming sense of confidence, motivation and empowerment.
Now you know the importance and benefits, let’s stretch!
Follow these stretches for a total body release:
• Mermaid stretch – stretches the side of the body, to even and realign the pelvis and spine.
• Pike – stretches the whole back chain of the body.
• Swan – opens the whole front of the body.
• Pigeon stretch – stretches the glutes and deep muscles around the hips. You can change the position of the pelvis to deepen the stretch. Prop yourself up with a pillow beneath your pelvis to begin, before moving lower towards the ground as you build mobility and flexibility.
MERMAID STRETCH
PIKE
SWAN
PIGEON STRETCH
Now the body is warm, try my top 2 stretch workouts:
• Mini Stretch 5 to open up through the upper body
• Mini Stretch 6 for a lower body
Always remember my tips while stretching:
• Continue to breathe, steadily and consistently. Once you are in the correct stretch position, always hold for an inhalation and exhale to deepen the stretch.
• Move in and out of each stretch slowly, with purpose.
• Enjoy them, allow your body to just let go and feel the sensation across your body.
• Start with more gentle stretches in the morning when you wake up, and deepen the stretches once your body is warm or at the end of the day.
