Stretch like a dog

Welcome to afitnewyou!  Today I would like to talk to you about the importance of stretching all of the time.  One aspect of fitness that is often overlooked is flexibility.  Even the most avid gym goers are quick to admit that they often neglect stretching enough.  It is a shame, because having good flexibility will decrease the amount of aches and pains one feels, as well as increase athletic performance.  If its common knowledge that we should stretch regularly, then why don’t more people do it?  One reason may be that people don’t know how to properly stretch, which is a discussion in itself.  But, many people do not stretch simply because they don’t make the time for it.  As with many recommendations I make, I suggest any amount of stretching is better than none.  And, on top of that, it would be best if you added small amounts of stretching throughout the day, even if it is for a few seconds at a time.

Roger stretches in small amounts throughout the day.  Every single time Roger gets up to start moving, whether he was sitting or lying down, he performs a few quick stretches.  Roger even stretches just before he is about to rest.  As much as I see Roger stretch, not once do I ever here him complain about any aches or pains.  Well, that could be in part that Roger is a dog.  Don’t roll your eyes; I wasn’t trying to trick you with this one.  Rather, roll your shoulders and stretch!  If you ever had a dog or cat as a pet you know first hand that every time an animal gets up from a resting position they stretch.  It isn’t a full yoga-inspired routine, but a simple stretch or two.  But the key is that they do it practically every time they get up.  This should be inspiring to you, because it is very simple to add one stretch every time you get up from your desk, couch or bed.  True these animals cannot speak, so they can’t complain about back or joint pain.  But, if you’ve owned one of these pets, you probably would know if they were concerned with joint pain.  Is it a coincidence that an animal who stretches all of the time doesn’t complain about joint pain?  I think not.  And in the very least, it should be simple enough for you to add one simple stretch every time you get up.

Acting like a dog or cat that stretch every time they get up should be a simple way to improve your flexibility and decrease joint aches and pains.  Animals don’t have to learn to stretch, and they also don’t take Advil or Tylenol regularly.  Although it is obvious that it can be a bit of a stretch (pun intended) to compare ourselves to animals, the simplicity of adding a stretch here and there as they do should be a no-brainer.  We all know we should stretch, and most know we should stretch more.  So make like these animals and stretch for a second or two every time you get up.  Adding a second or two of stretching every time you get up is a simple way to increase your flexibility, decrease your aches and pains and lead to a fit new you!