Stretch For Your Life

Do you wake up aching all over, feeling the onset of your years?

But you dislike popping pain relievers, or can't find the time to visit your local fitness club. Don't despair. The answer is stretching - it's inexpensive, and can be done anywhere, anytime.

You can stretch while sitting down at your desk at work, in your car while waiting for the light to change, in your bed just before you go to sleep or when you awake, on the floor, sanding up and even up against the wall. Well, almost anywhere.

Babies do it, animals do it, cats especially enjoy doing it and so too, can you.

Stretching can be done as often as you can, so that it gradually becomes part of your lifestyle. You don't have to be physically fit to start stretching. If you've never exercised before or haven't exercised for a long time, stretching will allow you to get in touch with your muscles and will help to improve your body's flexibility.

Stretching is easy to learn and should never be painful. Always listen to your body. If you feel pain, your position is probably wrong. Instead you should feel relaxed and able to focus on the muscles you are stretching.

Your breathing should be slow and controlled - NEVER hold your breath for a long time. Inhale to prepare for each stretch, exhale as you get to the point where you feel mild tension, then try to relax while holding the stretch. More important, keep breathing naturally.

The first time stretcher should spend only a

ew seconds in each stretch position, daily working up to holding the positions for longer. Never overstretch as stretching too far tightens the very muscles you are trying to relax.

At your desk or in your car - Sit tall with your spine straight and abdominals strong. Exhaling slowly, tilt your head toward your left shoulder and let your right shoulder drop. Repeat on your right side. Repeat 5 times on each side. Neck stretches are good for a stiff neck, bad posture or to ease tension in the side of the neck and shoulders.

In your car - Sit tall, with your spine straight, pull in your abdominal muscles toward your spine. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat often. Good for your stamina.

Standing up - Feet hip-width apart. Arms outstretched in front of you at just below shoulder height. Clasp your hands with your palms facing away from you, inhale. As you exhale, stretch your arms upward toward the ceiling. Try to keep your palms flat, shoulders down, abdomen strong- don't lock your elbows. Breathe in again, bend your elbows and bring your hands down toward your head. Repeat 5 times. Flexible stretches are good for those who spend a lot of time at the computer, play racquet sports or musical instruments.

You can tailor your stretching to suit your personal needs and regardless of age, you will benefit from feeling healthier and getting more out of life.

Remember, stretching should never be a stressful activity - it should be relaxing and non-competitive.

Denise Elle is a 50-something year-old writer, whose foray into the world of 5K, 10K and half-marathons during her mid-40s was the precursor to her journey into her twilight years. Currently, Denise focuses on health, fitness, and quality of life with the goal of being around for at least another 50 years.