Stretttchhhh!
- Michelle Nicole
- May 4, 2015
- 2 min read
Strettttchhhhh!
This morning, I watched my sister's cat, Monkey, (yes, his name is Monkey) stretching, and it dawned on me: Animals don’t do research on exercise or fitness, yet they know to stretch, daily! It's time we take a page out of their book. And I know what you might be thinking... "Is it that important?"
Attempting to incorporate exercise into your morning routine can be quite the challenge, but after reading these benefits, you might be more compelled to do it. Bob Anderson, world renown stretching specialist and the author of Stretching, shares a few benefits below. Stretching:
1. Reduces muscle tension and makes the body feel more relaxed
2. Helps coordination by allowing for freer and easier movement
3. Increases range of motion
4. Helps prevent injuries such as muscle strains
5. Makes strenuous activities like running, skiing, tennis, swimming and cycling easier because it prepares you for activity; it’s a way of signaling the muscles they are about to be used
6. Helps maintain your current level of flexibility, so as time passes you do not become stiffer and stiffer (my favorite fact!)
7. Develops body awareness. As you stretch various parts of the body you focus on them and get in touch with them; you get to know yourself.
8. Helps loosen the mind’s control of the body so that the body moves for “it’s own sake” rather than for competition or ego
9. Feels good
Below are a few videos and articles on morning stretches. I hope you find one you enjoy!
God isn’t only concerned with our spiritual growth, He cares about our physical health and wants us to prosper in EVERY area of our lives! Living healthy, enjoyable lives is important to Him. One of my favorite scriptures reminds us of that: "Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." 3 John 1:2. NLT
I love that He loves us.
Smitten,
Michelle Nicole
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