Stretching just feels so darned good! But do check out the list of benefits below. Stretching is more than just stretching. There are so many benefits to stretching…as you will see in the list below.
When you add to stretching the practice of yoga, you embrace a deep philosophy affecting body, mind, and spirit, and you step into healthy living!
Stretching…..
- leads to increased flexibility.
- reduces and manages your stress and tension (stress is the root of all dis-ease).
- improves mobility.
- improves posture.
- improves balance.
- improves muscle coordination.
- helps reduce the risk of injuries.
- helps reduce muscle soreness.
- improves blood vessel health. Doing stretches (especially leg stretches) improves blood flow throughout the body by making the arteries more flexible and able to dilate.
- encourages movement of lymph fluid, which in turn helps boost the immune system.
- gives the joints of the body full range of motion.
- makes for efficient movement.
- brings more ease to daily activities, such as walking, reaching, bending, and lifting.
- decreases pain throughout the body.
- improves physical performance (in sports including golf, in all active endeavors and day to day activities).
- allows for greater strength.
- enhances flow of energy throughout the body.
- makes for greater muscle length.
- is relaxing.
- improves breathing and greater lung capacity.
- brings about a positive state of mind.
- is rejuvenating. Remember the adage: You are as young as your spine!
As if the above list were not enough, remember the following words of wisdom:
You don’t get old and stiff. You get STIFF and then you get OLD.
Ha! What are you waiting for??
Stretching is my favorite class,but I love all your classes. Thank you for the update it will even keep me more motivated, and thank you for teaching on line ❤️
Thank you, Ursula, for inspiring me to do my best as a yoga instructor every single time I teach. Namaste, Fran
Stretching is my most favorite yoga,but I love it all. Thank you Fran for the update,very encouraging, and thank you for keeping me motivated. ❤️
Love this – don’t even need the list, just seeing you looking as delighted as the littlie and as just a flexible in the yoga swing makes me look forward to being back in class when it’s cooler next week:)
Thanks, Michelle. I look forward to seeing you once this heat wave subsides! Remember that I do have AC in the yoga studio. I had fun writing this list of flexibility and stretching benefits! Namaste, Fran
Loved your quote: You don’t get old and stiff. You get STIFF and then you get OLD.
One of my students who is 90 years old told me yesterday her doctor told her the day before, “Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.” She comes twice a week to my Y classes and does not have any grey hair. Her hair is still brown and she does not dye it. I don’t think she does much else but she probably does her own house work and owns properties that she manages herself. In other words, she lives her life to the fullest. So great to see.
Thanks for this great blog, Fran. Miss you.
Bev
Aren’t you glad we do yoga and stretch on a regular basis?? Yoga has seen me through a lot of difficult times, when stress was potentially sky-high. …And your 90 years young student is quite impressive. Wonderful. Namaste, Fran
Hi Bev, I replied yesterday, but don’t see my reply here. I am impressed by your 90 year young student! So inspiring. Yes, that’s a great quote, isn’t it…Stay flexible of body and mind. Big hugs to you. Namaste, Fran