Three Great Starter Stretches

You make regular appointments with me because you are aware how good it is for you! You've been feeling better than ever before! However stretching is a commonly overlooked aspect of self care routine. Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles, increasing range of motion, and helps your muscles reach their full potential. It has been suggested to hold each of these great stretches without bouncing for 20-30 seconds.

The Toe Touch: Or as close as you can get. Although this stretch seems to be everyone's least favourite stretch, it is an important one! With you feet firmly planted on the ground, reach down towards your toes. This stretch will address your hamstrings (the muscles located on the back of your thigh,) the lower back, and muscles around your shoulders. Of course there are many different variations of this stretch that would change the muscles involved, but I'm sure you understand what I'm saying.

The Butterfly: For this stretch, take a seat on the floor with your feet touching heels in front of you, with you knees bent, now gently press downwards on your knees, towards the ground. This stretch will help your (hip) abductors.

The Neck and Shoulder Release: You can do this stretch sitting in a chair, standing, or even at your desk. Start by sitting or standing up tall with your shoulders relaxed. Slowly tilt your right ear toward your right shoulder until you feel a gentle stretch along the left side of your neck. Try not to lift your shoulder to meet your ear—let gravity do the work. Once you feel the stretch, hold it for 15–30 seconds while breathing slowly and deeply. Then return your head to center and repeat on the other side.

However if you try these stretches and they just don't feel right, ask me, I'll be more than happy to help you figure out what might work!