THE TOUGHEST part about working out and going to a class to get fit is usually “finding the time” do it.
I have the philosophy that if something in your life is very important to you, then you will magically find the time in your schedule to do it. No matter what that importance is: Your job, children, relationship, family your home, money, drama, etc. But what about your health? What percentage of your life do you dedicate to your fitness, nutrition and well-being? How much time do you spend on social media and technology vs. doing something for yourself?
I have come to understand that what we give PRIORITY to, shows up THE MOST in your life. That none of the things that I mentioned above, you will be any good for, if you are not healthy and feeling good! (But really, get rid of the drama!) One of the many aspects of fitness and wellness that I am a fan of is…
FLEXIBILITY!
Did you know that you can reduce stress and improve your health while burning calories just by doing just 10-15 minutes of stretching a few times a day? Not only does stretching improve blood flow and flexibility, it also provides a variety of other health benefits. Read on to find out just 5 of the many benefits of getting flexible:
Decreased Risk of Injury:
An effective flexibility training program (like Yoga) can improve your physical performance and help reduce your risk of injury. By improving your range of motion, your body requires less energy to make the same movements and you also will have more flexible joints thus lessening the likelihood of injuries sustained during workouts, or any other time.
Improved Posture:
Recent research has shown that static stretching can reduce muscle soreness after exercise. These slow, gradual movements involve a controlled elongation of the muscle through it’s full range of motion, and is then held for 15-30 seconds in the farthest position that can be held without pain. By stretching in this way, you can improve muscular balance and your resting posture.
Classes: CLICK HERE to check out Restoration/Sunset Yoga with Drew
Reduce Lower Back Pain:
One of the most notable benefits of stretching is that it promotes muscular relaxation and because of this, can lessen lower back pain. Since those muscles are commonly contracted throughout the day, whether sitting or doing activities, they can become stressed and cause pain. Becoming more flexible in the hamstrings, hip flexors, quadriceps and other muscles can help reduce that stress on the lower back and reduce the tightening that causes pain.
Training: CLICK HERE for One-on-One Personal Yoga/Flexibility Coaching & Training in San Diego
Increased Blood Flow and Nutrients to Soft Tissues:
Stretching increases the blood supply to muscle tissues, and your entire body delivering essential nutrients through your blood stream. It also increases joint synovial fluid, the lubricating fluid that promotes the transportation of nutrients to your joints. This allows for a greater range of motion, less joint pain and a reduced risk of joint degeneration.
Better Overall Health and Vitality:
By doing some kind of flexibility training, you will notice less pain, improved movement, reduced muscle soreness, and improved physical performance. Stretching exercise practices like Yoga also help relax muscles, and your mind so you stress less. The feeling of well-being, and vitality you will notice as a result of a regular flexibility routine can provide many important health benefits.
