Did you know that more than 28 million (!) Americans develop some kind of musculoskeletal problem each year? Whether it’s from work, exercise, fun, or just an accident – lifting that box the wrong way – from time to time, the body has a breakdown.
If you’ve ever owned a car, you know that if you take care of it – change the oil regularly, keep air in the tires, take it in for its regular checkups – it will likely run for a long time without any issues.
The same is true for our body.
We’ve got to do the little things to make sure we don’t have any breakdowns!
What we’d like to focus on in this space is something that we can all do, and it doesn’t take much time… but it gets overlooked so easily!
STRETCHING.
Yep, the key to component to healthful living as you age. As we get older, flexibility is such a powerful way to prevent injury. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends stretching each of the major muscle groups at least two times a week.
But how do you do it? Anywhere, anytime! You can stretch not just after a workout or at the gym – think about simple stretches, such as rolling your shoulders at our desk or some reclined spinal twists on the floor at home. Stretching can be as simple as walking lunges across the kitchen!
You can go the other way with it, too – yoga classes, certain gym classes, and fitness instructors all offer safe instruction and guidance for appropriate stretching in and out of the gym.
Whatever way you’d prefer – the biggest obstacle is making stretching a part of your routine! Maybe the first thing in the morning, to help wake your body (and your mind) for the day.
If you have any questions on stretching techniques or best practices, you can always ask your doctor. Another great resource we’ve found online is StretchCoach.com, with a great number of stretching examples and guides for you.
Get stretching and loosen up!