Practice daily stretching for flexibility

Have you noticed you’re not as flexible as you used to be? You can improve that with a daily stretching routine to improve flexibility and mobility.

One thing I have learned is that I don’t stretch nearly as much as I should. I think about it but often fall short.

The older I get, the more I realize that daily stretching for flexibility is only one part. I also need it for just functional movements.

Stretching doesn’t have to take a lot of time. I am incorporating 10 minutes into my routine.

I spend five days a week training so that’s a perfect time to get it in. My lunchtime routine looks like this: strength training and stretching. I am in the gym much longer than I have been in a long time because I added the stretching. I am focusing more on my lower body more than anything else in part because of how heavy we are lifting for legs and glutes.

I also added some stretching between sets during my lifts. I just realized that if I am going to make changes, I need to do more than just go see a massage therapist.

Use proper stretching technique

It is essential to practice proper stretching techniques. Doing so will help you avoid unnecessary injury. Tips to proper stretching technique include the following:

Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds. It takes time to lengthen tissues safely. Hold your stretches for at least 30 seconds — and up to 60 seconds for a really tight muscle or problem area. It can seem like a long time, so wear a watch or keep an eye on the clock to make sure you’re holding your stretches long enough. For most of your muscle groups, if you hold the stretches for at least 30 seconds, you’ll need to do each stretch only once.

Don’t bounce. Bouncing as you stretch can cause small tears in the muscle, which leave scar tissue as the muscle heals. Go as far as you can and just hold it. Use a yoga strap to help you hold it and get a deeper stretch.

Focus on a pain-free stretch. If you feel pain as you stretch, you’ve gone too far. Back off to the point where you don’t feel any pain, then hold the stretch.

Relax and breathe freely. Don’t hold your breath while you’re stretching. Breathing will allow you to get a deeper stretch.

Stretch both sides. Make sure your joint range of motion is as equal as possible on each side of your body.

The benefits of daily stretching

According to the Mayo Clinic, the top five benefits of stretching include:

Increased flexibility and joint range of motion. Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance with tasks such as lifting packages and bending to tie your shoes. Flexibility tends to diminish as you get older, but you can regain and maintain it.

Improved circulation. Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Blood flowing to your muscles brings nourishment and gets rid of waste byproducts in the muscle tissue. Improved circulation can help shorten your recovery time if you’ve had any muscle injuries.

Better posture. Frequent stretching can help keep your muscles from getting tight and allow you to maintain proper posture.

Stress relief. Stretching relaxes tight, tense muscles that often accompany stress.

Enhanced coordination. Maintaining a full range of motion in your joints helps you maintain better balance. Coordination and balance will help keep you mobile and less prone to injury from falls, especially as you get older.

Take care of yourself

It’s important to take care of yourself inside and out. I have been spending much of this year in the hands of a massage therapist. It’s been great and everything that I have needed. I can tell when we have a big break between visits.

But I also know that I can do things on my own, like daily stretching, to help my muscles. I have seen the benefits of stretching.

You can stretch at home in front of the TV, before you go to bed, with your kids and more. Stretching does not have to be done in a gym or with any fancy equipment. I bought a yoga strap for home so I don’t have to wait til I get to the gym.

Find time to give yourself a few minutes of self-care. One of those ways right now are these 15 minutes of stretches, which is much appreciated.

How often do you spend stretching?