Keeping your body loose and flexible are integral parts of sports performance since lengthened muscles are less prone to injury. Not to mention staying loose helps you feel better on a daily basis and can keep stress at bay. However, natural flexibility is not something that everyone is blessed with. Some need to work daily to achieve lasting flexibility. Here are a few tips to get you started...
Increasing Flexibility
Jennifer McCamish
Jennifer's Stretching Tips
- To gain permanent length you need to stretch every day. I know this might sound like too much effort but if you put aside 10 minutes in the morning or evening it could help you start or end to your day positively - stretching at night will leave you relaxed before bed for better rest and in the morning it can kick start your day in a calm and focused way.
- Hold a stretch a minimum of 30 seconds. Muscles need at least 30 plus seconds in order to allow a muscle to release.
- Breath when stretching. For some, stretching can be very uncomfortable so make sure to focus on your breath. By bringing oxygen to the brain and muscles will help calm you and allow the muscles to relax and not tense up and fight you. With each exhale see if you can increase your range slightly.
- Don't force it- take your time getting into a position and only go to the point that you don't feel pain. You might feel the muscles taut but you should not feel sharp pain. You don't want to risk injury.
About the Author
About the Author
Jennifer McCamish is the owner of Dancers Shape, a Pilates and barre fitness studio in Austin, Texas. A former NYC Radio City Rockette with over 30 years of dance experience and training from legendary institutes around the country, McCamish has worked or performed with many well-known celebrities, television shows and publications. Utilizing her professional knowledge and education, she created Dancers Shape, a unique approach to fitness, incorporating elements of ballet, yoga, Pilates and circuit training to efficiently build strength and muscle tone while maintaining a lean and nimble body. McCamish holds a BA in Dance from the University of Texas in Austin, Athletic Training in Injury Prevention for Dancers from Radio City Entertainment, is a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor including Injuries and Special Populations, Cooper Institute Certified Personal Trainer, IDEA Fitness and Wellness member, and is certified in CPR-First Aid. She is a certified instructor including injuries, special populations and golf conditioning. Read more about Jennifer.