AN ALTERNATIVE WAY TO STRETCH

Simple stretches help improve flexibility and also ease joint pain.

‘Static stretching’ as a warm-up prior to exercise may be a practice we learned back in school gym class. Today experts debate its effectiveness. It is helpful and particularly benefits those with arthritis by lubricating joints and enhancing range-of-motion. But avoid stretching a cold muscle. Only perform ‘static stretching’ (stretch and hold) after a thorough warm-up. A warmed-up muscle can stretch longer and endure more.

Use dynamic or ‘active’ stretching as a warm-up. Dynamic stretches mimic movements used in a sport or activity. They prepare the body by helping to increase blood flow and muscle temperature. If we’re walking, we’ll want to start off at a slow pace and gradually pick up speed. Light, gentle rhythmic movements work best for the average person.

‘Static stretching’ at the end of the cool-down phase, after exercise, when your muscles are still warm, helps to maintain long-term flexibility benefits.