Cats and dogs stretch multiple times a day. A full body stretch after awakening feels good and is so beneficial. Daily stretching can lead to better posture, less aches, pains and even less degenerative problems as we age.

Building stretching into your daily life actually helps to maintain strength and flexibility. Repetitive motion type jobs can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, low back aches, headaches and shoulder issues. Taking the time to stretch can alleviate and even eliminate those issues. Our work posture becomes our standing posture. Technology is great, but the concept of sitting and typing all day on a keyboard, phone or tablet can wreck our posture. Posture is almost always related to workspace or our daily habits. Basically, posture is instrumental in alleviating stiffness and aches and pains. How are you sitting in your chair? Maybe get up every half hour and walk around and stretch. Pull your shoulder blades back so they gently hug your spine. Reach your hands back behind you and gently open your chest. Starting small and working up to more stretching throughout your day will have you standing taller.

Stretching during your workout is great but stretching throughout the day will add the biggest gains. Tightness comes from the positions we are in for lengths of time, such as sitting. Reach up and stretch, your body will thank you by not complaining in the form of aches and pains.

For more information about fitness and health please contact Kay Colgan at Middleburg Pilates, 14 S. Madison Street, Middleburg, VA or call 540-687-6995.