Stretching

(Originally published 6 August 2011) 

My huddle today, in all my teams, was "Add gentle, joyful stretching to your day—aaahhh!" It's easy to focus on aerobic and resistance (such as weightlifting) exercises that strengthen the muscles, the heart (a very *important* muscle), the bones, that expend lots of calories and earn those cardio & strength training points.

But for balance and overall health and well-being, stretching has a place in your daily routines as well. Any competent fitness teacher or program should be reminding you that after a workout that contracts your muscles, you need to spend time lengthening them, or stretching. You'll experience less soreness following strenuous activity. You will maintain and improve range of motion. Your muscles and joints will thank you. And it feels good!

I hope none of you are still caught up with that antiquated, dangerous notion of "No pain, no gain" when it comes to exercise. It's all very well to challenge yourself and build up the intensity of your workouts and your degree of flexibility over time, but fitness & well-being are long-distance journeys, they are neither races nor contests! Please don't be so silly as to risk injury by pushing too hard.

If a stretch or exercise you are attempting hurts—don't do it. Find a modified version that fits your current abilities, or find a different activity altogether that brings similar benefits. Also, let go of the need to be perfect! You've probably heard the saying "Anything worth doing is worth doing well." But have you heard the one "Anything worth doing is worth doing badly"? Skills and abilities—and flexibility—improve over time. Allow yourself to learn, to be less than proficient as you begin. If you invest time consistently, you will improve, and you will reap increasingly greater benefits.

This brings us to the whole other aspect and definition of stretching: of moving beyond where you are now, and surpassing (perceived) boundaries and limits. Are you devoting time to stretching your mind, strengthening your spirit, balancing your emotions? Are you letting old beliefs, things you were told, even your past experiences limit what you do or think you can do, who you allow yourself to be, and what you manifest in your life? Are you willing to stretch, to learn something new, to reach for something better?

I hope you will join me, even if you take a different path. I prefer an easy and gentle—though passionate—babystepping approach. Whichever road you choose, I wish you a joyful & successful journey as you create the life you deserve and desire.

Blessed Be, Amanda

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