Do you find the time each week to stretch your muscles? Is stretching currently part of your exercise routine?

Your muscles need to be lengthened and stretched throughout the week in order to improve your ability to perform daily tasks (like lifting objects or children, rushing around while doing errands, or bending down to pick something up), reduce injuries, and relieve stress.

CAN YOU TOUCH YOUR TOES? Flexibility decreases as you get older, but all is not lost. You can easily regain your flexibility by beginning a simple stretching routine (like the one listed at the bottom of the page). Stretching and activities like yoga and martial arts based exercises will also improve your balance and coordination that you may have lost over the years.

FEELING STRESSED? Practicing daily desk stretches or stretching in the morning or after work can ease aches and pains in your shoulders, back, arms and wrists.

WONDERING WHERE TO START?? Here are some basic guidelines for stretching.

*Always warm up before stretching. Five minutes of low-intensity, low-impact exercise will do it -- try walking at a moderate pace or marching in place while swinging your arms gently.

*Stretch each major muscle group including upper and lower legs, back, shoulders, neck, hips, buttocks, and arms. Hold each stretch for 10-30 seconds.

*Be careful not to bounce, and be sure that you are not feeling any sharp pains -- stretching should be enjoyable and feel good, not painful.
*Remember to breathe. Not only is this good for your muscles, but deep inhaling and exhaling is a great way to relax and relieve stress.

*Aim for a goal of stretching 3 times per week. You don't need any special equipment -- stretch at home, in the office, on the sidewalk or in the gym.

*Visit http://www.womensheartfoundation.org/content/ Exercise/stretching_exercise.asp for illustrations of basic stretching exercises (although these stretches are listed on a women's heart foundation website - they are basic stretches that are appropriate for both men and women.)

Stretch....relax....feel invigorated....ENJOY!

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