Yesterday,
I opted to skip doing any exercise since I was feeling a little tired and sore. This resulted in me having an evening of eating pizza and going to the movies. Honestly a really enjoyable night of relaxation.
Now, it is important to read your body and allow your self rest when you need it. However, I was being more lazy from being a little tired than I was sore to the point I NEEDED a break. After reflecting this morning, still sore, I realized complete sedentary rest is not what I required. I had a busy weekend running the tough mudder, resulting in my sore muscles and achey joints.
My body really wanted some light activity to help increase bloodflow to the muscles, promote healing and alleviate the stiffness. I SHOULD HAVE STRETCHED.
Stretching is a phenomenal activity. One that becomes more important as you get older or participate in more activities. Tight muscles make you feel stiff, sore and limit your range of motion in your joints. A simple stretching routine of 20 minutes is a fantastic way to incorporate some movement into a day when you just dont feel like doing anything. Stretching helps to increase muscle length, promotes muscle healing and growth and has tremendous benefits to decrease stress and improve mental wellness.
Below is a very simple 20 minute routine I have created this morning (to incorporate into my own life), to add to your daily routine or on a ‘lazy’ day.
Standing Position:
– Breathe in with big arm circles up to the ceiling, breathe out bending forward trying to touch your toes. Repeat slowly for 1 minute.
– Hold Warrior Pose (Standing Forward Lunge). Perform on twice on each side for one minute.
– Side Lunge. Each side holding 1 minute
– Standing runner’s stretch (quads stretch). Each leg for 1 minute.
Seated Position:
– Single Leg Hamstring stretch. Repeat each side for 30 seconds.
– Four Stretch (One Leg rested on opposite knee, bring legs up) hold each side for 1 minute
– Child’s pose 1 minute
Questions or Clarifications, please comment!
Enjoy,
CB
Physical Brake 