Balance, balance, balance. It is a motto often heard but rarely followed. Compassion granted to us all as it takes much awareness and effort to achieve balance in an unbalanced world. We have ideals that usually promote one idolized view while shunning its polar complement. It is here that we find the error. Let us find the per contra, the complement, in all aspects of our lives and incorporate it to find true balance- even if we must forgo the socially-constructed ideal.
It is in many of our daily fitness routines that this imbalance rears its not-so pleasing head. We are speaking of the long, arduous run that began with a 30-second stretch. That minimal effort of stretching is usually motivated by an attempt to avoid sore muscles or injury. Muscle development and weight loss are valued above the benefits of stretching. These physically-prominent showings of strength through muscle development are idealized while the fluid mobility of flexibility is devalued and largely misunderstood because it is not promoted.
Despite the devaluing of stretching, we do often meet the truth when our muscles are sore beyond belief. You know that time when a flight of stairs has turned into your greatest nemesis. And when our hamstrings decide to take an extended vacation in Maui while in the midst of a run in downtown Brooklyn. The sore muscles and injury are a gentle and not so gentle way of our bodies telling us we are not in balance- we are out of alignment in our ways and actions.
In order to achieve fitness routine balance, there must be motivation for stretching. Firstly, the truth is that flexibility is as valuable as weight loss and muscle development. Secondly, below are some benefits of stretching that we hope to encourage you to consistently incorporate into your routine to achieve balance and health.
NURTURE YOUR BODY: PHYSICAL HEALTH
Stretching further nurtures your body. Muscles are supplied with more nutrients due to stretching as this increases blood supply throughout the body.
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LOVE LONGER: MOBILITY
Enjoy tying your shoes or picking up the little ones?! Great, extend the time you can do so by maintaining and expanding your mobility. As you age, your mobility can decreases due to inactivity. Reverse and prevent loss of mobility by incorporating stretching into your daily routine. 5 minutes a day could represent 10 more years of enjoying activities.
LET THE PEACE BE WITH YOU: MENTAL HEALTH
Stress enjoys nuzzling up in the muscles, causing tension. Eliminate the tension and release stress with a good stretch. Keep the stress at bay with a consistent stretch routine.
Stretching is a low-impact exercise providing you with a much needed mental siesta. In addition to the increased blood flow, you will soon find yourself in a calmer state of mind.
Stretching is a 1-2 punch to stress and untamed thinking- a physical meditation, if you will.
BODY-MIND CONNECTION: SPIRITUAL HEALTH
With body-mind connection, inflexibility may be a physical representation of inflexible mental processing of life. It is something to consider. The left side of your body represents the past and the right side the present and future. Which side are you more flexible on?
Aim to maintain flexibility on both sides and perhaps the new found flexibility may show up in improved life mobility, ability to creatively change course as life presents challenges. Be flexible.
Kick up your mindful stretching routine up a notch by incorporating lavender essential oil. Rub a small amount on the stretching strap or place a small dab underneath your nose to indulge in the relaxing effect of lavender.
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