Stretching is an important aspect of exercising and should be a part of any exercise routine and program. We always perform dynamic stretching as part of our warm up (when the muscles, tendons and ligaments are still cold and stiff) and static stretching as part of our cool down. There are many benefits to stretching regularly:

Stretching exercises help with strength because stretching lengthens your muscles and thus gives your muscle fibres a greater range of motion. So in effect, it recruits more muscle fibres and thus can give you more power output.

Stretching your muscles after an intensive workout you can reduce muscle soreness commonly known as DOMS (delayed onset muscle sore) which usually occurs a day after your workout.

Performing dynamic stretching exercises before your workout or before a physically demanding sporting activity will also decrease your chances of sustaining injuries and muscle cramps as well as improving performance.

Another benefit when you stretch regularly, is gain agility and flexibility, which naturally declines in our old age as our collagen production lowers.

If you’re a Baby Boomer or Gen Xer (like many of our clients) and age is catching up, the flexibility and agility bonus from stretching will make your life more pleasurable because you will be able to avoid stiff muscles and stiff joints, unlike your peers who do not stretch. You will be more mobile, agile and suffering from less pain associated with ageing and stiff body parts.

You can stretch anytime any where as and when you like and even a few minutes a day helps. Stretching exercises need not be limited as a pre and post workout activity. So start a stretching exercise routine and make it part of your everyday lifestyle.

If you’d like to know more – join one of our retreats, or join our online Academy, where we have stretching videos alongside workouts, recipes, nutrition, mindset and everything you need for a happy and healthy life.