Stretching Exercises
Everybody does it upon waking: the arms go over the head and the toes try to reach the end of the bed board. You stretch. It's done most of the time without even thinking. Why, do you suppose? Like most other things that happen innately with the body; stretching happens because it is supposed to and it is good for a body. Stretching exercises are a natural extension of our body's effort to take care of us.
Stretching exercises are often thought of as sets of movements that are performed prior to or after the main set of exercises or before or after a competitive event. This is often the case. However, stretching and stretching exercises are movements that can be beneficial when done on their own.
Every part of the body can be stretched.
Should a person just do stretching exercises stand alone; that is, without an accompanying other exercises or competition? Sure. Regular stretching can help maintain flexibility and stave off injury. Unfortunately, most people only give thought to just doing stretching exercises after an injury or sore muscles. Stretching and gentle movement has a long history as a beneficial practice. Tai Chi, while a little different from simple stretching, recognizes the value of slow and measured movement. Indeed, for those not wanting to learn this ancient Martial Art, a self-compiled set of stretches can act to move the body and, if done on an ongoing basis, create sort of a meditative state.
Let's look at some of the more popular areas of the body for a stretching program. The really nice and convenient aspect about stretching exercises is that no fitness center is needed, no complicated machines and, of course, no membership. Stretching exercises can be done indoors and outdoors, at home or on that business trip or on vacation.
Start with the head and neck. A simple stretch is to move the neck from side to side and from front to back. Rotate the neck and then really pull away from the shoulder in an easy by gentle motion.
Progress to the chest and the shoulder: bring your arms behind your back together, then one at a time. You can also cross your arm in front of you and use your free hand to pull and extend the stretch. A door way can be used as well, either by gripping the jam above and sinking low or by bracing the door jam with both forearms and stepping forward.
Back and abdominal stretches can be done by simply rotating from side to side with your arms cradled in each other or by lying flat and extending your arms in front of you and slowly raising up.
Stretching your legs can be done easily by lifting a leg up while balanced on the opposite foot and pulling the raised leg. You should feel a pull in the front of your raised leg in the quadriceps. Also, kneeling with one leg extended and lunging forward slightly will flex the hip.
Stretching exercises should be incorporated in everybody's daily life. It takes a short amount of time and can produce lasting benefits.
