T he I mportance of S tretching
For example, sitting in a chair all day at work can result in tight hamstrings in the back of your thigh, which can make it harder to extend your leg and straighten your knee all the way. Then, when you go to play tennis, an activity that requires stretching your hamstrings all the way, they may become damaged from suddenly being stretched. Regular stretching not only keeps your muscles long, lean, and flexible, it also helps you maintain your balance and avoid falls. While stretching all of your muscles may seem daunting, you don’t have to stretch every single muscle every day. According to Nolan, “The areas critical for mobility are in your lower extremities: your calves, hamstrings, hip flexors in your pelvis, and quadriceps in the front of the thigh.” Stretching your shoulders, neck, and lower back are also beneficial. But where do you start?
We’ve all experienced the feeling of getting out of the car after a long day of driving and immediately stretching from our toes to our fingertips. But not only does stretching feel good, it’s also extremely important in protecting your mobility and independence throughout life. According to David Nolan, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, stretching isn’t only for runners and gymnasts, and it isn’t an activity to be taken lightly, “A lot of people don’t understand that stretching has to happen on a regular basis. It should be daily.” When you stretch daily, you keep your muscles flexible, strong, and healthy. Increasing your flexibility also maintains the range of motion in your joints. Without stretching, your muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you finally use your muscles for an activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. This puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.
friendly neighborhood physical therapist! They can assess your current muscle strength and tailor a stretching program that fits your needs.
For information on specific stretches and how long you should stretch every week, visit your
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INGREDIENTS
• 1 heaping tablespoon fresh basil or mint, chopped • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 1 tablespoon maple syrup • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 pound strawberries, thinly sliced • 3 medium peaches, thinly sliced • 1 cup blueberries
DIRECTIONS
1. In a medium serving bowl, combine the strawberries, peaches, blueberries, and basil. 2. Drizzle lemon juice, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar on top. 3. Gently toss to combine. 4. Serve immediately, or chill for later.
Recipe inspired by CookieAndKate.com.
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