The Patricia Bech Fitness Diary: Let’s talk about stretching
I have been writing my Patricia Bech Fitness Diary since the start of the year. I began a new regime during lockdown to try and get fit but also to experiment with different types of exercise. As a lover of the great outdoors, I have always enjoyed walking and running though the countryside.
Since focusing more on the benefit of exercise, I have added more types of fitness work into my schedule. This includes weight training, pilates, yoga and also stretching!
Today I thought I would write a little but about stretching. This is not professional advice by any means, but it is just something that I wanted to talk about today and it is based on my own experience of learning about exercise.
Stretching is something that is quite often overlooked but it has many benefits. Personally I think it is important to stretch everyday and not just after an intense workout session. Of course, it is vital after an intense workout session because it helps to look after your muscles and body.
Stretching is also key to helping avoid injury and your muscles will appreciate this extra level of TLC. Some experts say that you should stretch for at least 10 minutes every day. I definitely stretch for this long after a run and I want to encompass it as a regular part of my day, even if I am not doing cardio.
When you are stretching, it is really important to hold the stretch so that you can feel it working. I will hold my stretches for up to 30 seconds at a time and also make sure that I stretch every muscle for an equal length of time. I find it quite relaxing and I can definitely feel the improvement in suppleness since I have focused on stretching more often.
You should seek professional advice if you have any specific concerns about your body.
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