Stretching isn’t sexy. Unlike doing cardiovascular exercise or lifting weights, you don’t see the benefits so my observation is that it seems people are less motivated to actually build an easy stretching routine.
You might not look any different if you start stretching, but you’ll certainly feel it!
When I give people stretches to do for a specific injury, or simply ones that are just helpful for everyday mobility, they often smile politely and nod like they are going to get right at it once they get home.
I know that’s never the case though! The biggest resistance is always finding the time – and I’ll always remind you to make the time for health habits! – but I do recognize that for some of us that’s easier than others.
So here’s my general recommendation:
Instead of making time to stretch, instead I want you to just add it into something you are already doing.
Building an Easy Stretching Routine Into Your Day
I would love it if you could make time at the beginning or end of any exercise to stretch. But what I actually recommend more than that is for people to just add it in to small moments of their day.
When it comes to mobility, the biggest gains will always come from consistency, so whatever you can do to make it more consistent is going to be advantageous for you. This is why an easy stretching routine works better than trying to “find time” for long sessions.
If that means you love to watch a show in the evening while you unwind, then that’s when you do it. You can still sit on your couch or comfy chair but just take a few minutes to stretch first!
When you’re brushing your teeth, do a few stretches.
When you’re waiting for dinner to cook, do a few stretches.
See what I’m getting at here? Where are there moments in your day when you’ve got the time? Look for them and just start simply. Trust me, you’ll feel good and it will get easier to stick with it.
Check out some of the videos for some simple types of movements you can start to practice, or a quick search will give you plenty of stretch routines from other people as well. You might even have some that you already know you like and are good for you.
When you stretch you may not see the difference, but you absolutely will feel the difference in how your body is moving and that will extend into your everyday routines, athletic performance, and help you stay more resilient to further injuries.
