| Regardless of age and present flexibility, | | | | stretching over a period of time, you will find that |
| stretching is good for your body. Stretching | | | | those movements that were at first difficult may |
| correctly before exercising or strenuous activity | | | | now be very easy to do. You just need to take |
| will prevent your body from being shocked and | | | | your time. Remember, no fast movements and |
| injured. It will keep your body elastic and flexible, | | | | no bouncing. Relax and be patient. |
| enabling you to enjoy a wide range of mobility | | | | Stretching for a mature person can be especially |
| actions. | | | | beneficial. The older you are, the higher your |
| Gentle and easy is the preferred method. If you | | | | chances are of pulling or straining your muscles |
| stretch too fast, many of the benefits are lost | | | | during quick movements. And, of course, as age |
| and you can actually injure yourself by doing this | | | | advances, the longer it takes to heal from any |
| improperly. Be careful to not push yourself. If you | | | | injuries. |
| feel pain, stop right there. A proper stretch should | | | | Patience is key with stretching. The exercises |
| never have pain affiliated with it. | | | | involved are very important to improve your |
| Stretching can be done anytime and anywhere. | | | | overall muscle health and develop your mobility |
| You don't need any special equipment and you | | | | safely. By improving your body's joint mobility, |
| definitely don't need to go to the gym for this. It | | | | you will be assisting your body in avoiding painful |
| doesn't matter if you are a child or a mature | | | | arthritis. By avoiding this ailment, many mature |
| adult, stretching should be incorporated into | | | | individuals claim that this one benefit alone can |
| everyone's daily lifestyle. | | | | change their lives for the better. They are able to |
| A proper stretch may be just slowly lifting your | | | | maintain more active lifestyles without the painful |
| arms as high as you can above your head, holding | | | | side effects which curtail movement in many of |
| the position for 20-30 seconds, and then release | | | | our elderly population. |
| the movement. There should be no sudden | | | | Remember, also, if your muscles become weak, |
| movements, no bounces, and this should all be | | | | then your bones are at more risk of becoming |
| done "slowly". You should stretch your back, your | | | | damaged because they won't have the protection |
| legs and arms, and even your neck on a daily | | | | of strong muscles supporting them. |
| basis. | | | | With consistent and regular stretching, your |
| When you first start stretching, you may find | | | | muscles can stay toned and elastic even through |
| that some movements are difficult to do and | | | | the advancing years, helping you enjoy a better |
| some may not be manageable at all. After regular | | | | quality of life through less injuries and ailments. |