All our flexibility is gained between the ages of 7 and 12, then there is a leveling off period till about the age of 25 then it’s all downhill! But there are a lot of years of living to do after 25, especially for Gen J’ers. Flexibility is the key to remaining agile, youthful, and physical.
Ten good reasons to stretch:
1. It takes less effort to move through your day.
2. It decreases your risk of injuries from simple movements. Activities like reaching the bowl on the top shelf are easier.
3. It improves circulation. No more popcicle toes.
4. It will decrease joint degeneration. Less osteo issues.
5. Increases neuromuscular coordination. More nerve impulses means a tuned in central nervous system.
6. Improved balance and posture. You will look better, taller and more steady.
7. Decreases the likelihood of lower back pain
8. Reduces muscular tension. It’s giving yourself a massage.
9. Increases enjoyment of physical activities. When you are more agile everything is more pleasurable from a tennis game to a bedroom game.
10. An overall feeling of well being .
After a short 5 to 7 minute warm up, like a walk or marching in place, slowly stretch. Hold each of your stretches between 30 seconds and 1 minute. Three of the essential stretches is to touch your toes keeping your knees straight. Raise your arms over your head, straight up, bend your elbow and try to reach the small of your back. Finally lay on your back and pull your knees to your chest, then stretch each leg over the other from side to side.
