Why you should start stretching today

Stretching is translated from English as flexibility. Many women pay too little attention to this type of aerobics, preferring strength exercises or yoga. But neither one nor the other exercise will be effective enough without appropriate stretching.

First, let's figure out what the difference is between stretching and similar “mat disciplines” - yoga and Pilates. Yoga is more aimed at immersing oneself through balance between body and mind. Pilates strengthens the back muscles and improves coordination of movements. The “sphere of influence” of stretching is much larger. It is used by both rehabilitation therapists in physical therapy and professional acrobats (daily in their training).

When stretching, all preheated muscle groups are tensed one by one. As a rule, the workout begins with exercises for the head, but often the legs are warmed up first.

To prevent injury, each muscle is bent alternately in different directions using radically opposite exercises. For example, after you have pumped up your abs, you need to immediately do the “boat” exercise so that the muscles work not only in one direction.

If you can’t, for example, do the splits the first time, you don’t need to jerk yourself into a sitting position. The muscles are elastic, frozen at their maximum, you will soon feel that they are slowly stretching themselves, the main thing is not to make sudden movements. In stretching they are basically unacceptable. It is very important that your breathing is even and calm. After class, you will feel a pleasant pain in your muscles.

The benefits of stretching are undeniable: exercises help disperse stagnant salts, improve your posture, clean up your sides and tighten your butt, relieve stress, improve blood circulation, teach you to breathe correctly... In the end, you will feel more alive, healthy and strong.

By the way, if you are not skinny, this does not mean that the path to good stretching is closed for you. Body weight has no effect on the elasticity of your muscles. Just remember how in the project “Dancing with Stars” Ruslana Pysanka literally fell into the splits without much effort. A huge advantage of stretching is that it can be done by anyone and at any age.

Of course, if you do aerobics just to lose weight, then stretching is not for you. It doesn't really help you lose extra pounds. But if you want to strengthen your legs and arms, finally start walking with a straight back and a toned stomach, and be in harmony with yourself, think about signing up for a class, or at least practice at home with an online application.