Start Fresh.
- billingskirstien
- Sep 6, 2020
- 2 min read
Hello, welcome to my first post ever! Today I will be talking about one of the first steps you should take while starting/ continuing dance classes, which is stretching.
"Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight." https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-importance-of-stretching#:~:text=Stretching%20keeps%20the%20muscles%20flexible,to%20extend%20all%20the%20way.
The link above provides you with an explanation as to why stretching is important, as well as tips for stretching.
The first steps to stretching are, breathing, understanding your body's limits, and choosing what stretches you want to do to benefit your body. Next, you are going to want to set up a schedule for you to follow with stretching, as you won't gain immediate flexibility by only stretching once a day. You have to make sure that you continuously work, in order to achieve your goals!
For me, I stretch my back, and all parts of my legs. I do these specific stretches because I sit almost all day, and so my back and legs are in a lot of positions, but are never at a full range of motion. These stretches I use help me from being in pain from the seating positions I'm in.
For stretching your head/upper torso, follow these links! https://offices.depaul.edu/environmental-health-and-safety/ergonomics/exercises/Pages/upper-body-stretches.aspx
https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/fitness-neck-stretches
For stretching your lower torso and legs, follow this link!
With all of these stretches, I am hoping that I help you achieve your starting goal for stretching. Keep in mind, not all of these stretching techniques will work on you, but do not fret! With more research, you will be able to find a stretching regime that works with your body!
No matter what stretches you do end up choosing, remember, KNOW YOUR BODY'S LIMITS! Do not cause an unnecessary amount of stress on your body trying to achieve flexibility, it will do you more harm than good!
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