WHY STRETCH

You do not need to be in top physical condition or have specific athletic skills. Stretching can be done any time you feel like it: at work, in the car, waiting for a bus, walking down the road, under a nice shady tree after a hike, or at the beach. Stretch before, but also stretch at various and after physical activity, but also stretch at various times of the day when you can.

· In the morning before the start of the day.
· At work to release nervous tension
· After sitting or standing for a long time.
· When you feel stiff.
· At odd times during the day, as for instance, when watching TV, listening to music, reading, or sitting and talking.

Stretching helps relax your mind and tunes up your body and should be a part of your daily routine. You will find that regular stretching will do the following things:

· Reduce muscle tension and make the body fell more relaxed
· Help coordination by allowing for freer and easier movement.
· Increase range of motion.
· Prevent injuries such as muscle strains. ( a strong, pre-stretched muscle resists stress better than a strong, unstretched muscle.)
· Make strenuous activities like running, skiing, tennis, swimming, cycling easier because it prepares you for activity; it's a way of signaling the muscles that they are about to be used.
· Develop body awareness. As you stretch various parts of the body, you focus on them and get in touch with them. You get to know yourself.
· Help loosen the mind's control of the body so that the body moves for "it's own sake" rather than for competition or ego.
· Promote circulation.
· It feels good.

If you stretch correctly and regularly, you will find that every movement you make becomes easier.

Wednesday, May 10, 2000
Authored by: Dr. Sharon
e-mail: drsharon@backinaction.com