In your quest for good health and fitness, you’ve lost weight. You’ve toned and tightened your body. You’re eating healthy. But, have you incorporated stretching into your fitness routine? Have you had one of those days where your workout the previous day was great, but today, you’ve got pain in your lower back, your hips hurt, or your shoulders are locked up? Maybe it’s time to learn about the importance of stretching!
Although your workouts may be great, the majority of us spend quite a bit of time sitting in one position. Maybe it’s extended time driving, or working at a desk. Yet, you’ve been working out. What has happened over time, even though you’ve been working out, is that your hamstrings are gradually growing stronger and tighter until they start to pull your pelvis downward. And, this “posterior pelvic tilt” changes the curvature of your spine. Add in extended sitting which can cause a retraction in your hamstring muscles. So, If you want to stay free of pain and injury, you need to work on not just strength, but mobility. That’s where stretching becomes important.
And, there are ways to become more flexible through stretching. One option is to take a yoga class. But, what if you’re not really into yoga, and want to stretch for your workout in your home gym? Or, you’re on the road, and you want to stretch. There are fitness accessories like Foam Rollers that can help with what is known as self-myofascial release. Foam rollers assist with therapeutic exercises, training, conditioning, core strength, stretching, massage, and balance. They are a great addition to your home gym because they provide numerous tension-relieving exercises in a condensed package.
Another option is a dedicated stretching rack, like the True TRUE Stretch 800SS. The TRUE Stretch 800SS is a revolutionary concept that uses the natural approach to flexibility training. TRUE Stretch effectively stretches the body in all three planes of motion (front to back, side to side, and rotational) while keeping the user in natural upright positions with four points of contact (both hands and both feet) for proper body alignment, stability and safety.
Want to learn more about different stretching tools? Stop into any of Fitness 4 Home Superstore’s 3 Phoenix area locations to experience a full selection of stretching tools and equipment.
