Stretching: benefits for the body

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Extract from the article: Stretching gives you an almost immediate feeling of fullness. It allows you to start the day on the right foot

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Stretching gives you an almost immediate feeling of fullness. It allows you to start the day on the right foot by getting rid of that feeling of being rusty when you wake up. Stretching the spine allows you to relax by gently restarting the machine and reactivating the energy put to rest during the night. But the benefits of stretching go far beyond that. Unfortunately, as we age, we inevitably lose agility. Muscles and tendons gradually stiffen, leading to a loss of flexibility and reduced functional capacity. In practical terms¸ this stiffness makes even the most trivial actions, such as lifting your arms above your head, walking or turning your head, increasingly difficult. It also impairs balance and thus increases the risk of falls.

Start with frequency. Ideally, you should stretch every day, not just in bed when you wake up. In any case, for lasting results, at least two to three sessions per week are necessary. As for the intensity, stretch until you feel a twinge without of course going as far as pain. For example, to relieve the back: stand up, spread your legs slightly. Then gently release the body forward, arms stretched as if you wanted to reach the ground. There is no need to force yourself. Let the body « go » by itself. Hold the posture for 30 to 60 seconds, taking deep breaths (which will facilitate relaxation). Then slowly return to the initial position. Repeat the exercise 3 to 5 times.

William O.