Physical Activity Wednesday Challenge
Physical Activity Wednesday Challenge: Complete some stretching/flexibility exercises. Follow along with these videos to incorporate stretching and flexibility movements.
Flexibility and stretching are important elements to include in a complete workout routine. These types of exercises stretch your muscles and can help your body stay flexible for your everyday activities. Many different types of exercises can improve strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. For example, practicing yoga can improve your balance, strength, and flexibility.
The best time to do flexibility exercises is when your muscles are already warm so they can stretch farther without tightness or pain. If you’re doing only stretching exercises, warm up with a few minutes of easy walking before you start. If you’re doing endurance or strength exercises, stretch after, not before.
Tips for safe stretching:
- Always stretch slowly and smoothly into the desired position, as far as is comfortable for you without pain. If you’re not used to stretching, hold the stretch for about 10 seconds. The more often you stretch, the easier it will become. Eventually, you will be able to hold each stretch for longer comfortably.
- Relax and breathe normally while stretching.
- A stretch should always be smooth and slow, never jerky or bouncy. This can cause muscles to tighten and may result in injuries.
- As you become more flexible, try reaching farther in each exercise. A mild pulling feeling during a stretch is normal. Sharp or stabbing pain or joint pain means you should stop – you’re stretching too far.
- Always keep your joints slightly bent, never “locked” in a straight position. This can cause injury.
If stretching/ flexibility movements are not currently part of your exercise routine, now is a great time to start! Complete the Physical Activity Wednesday Challenge and see how easy it is to incorporate these movements into your day.
