The sun is shining today and, yes, some snow and ice is even MELTING! Hooray!! Perhaps the deep, deep freeze of the winter of 2014 is going to transition into just the winter of 2014--we can hope!
We have cats around our house, and as the sun starts warming the deck, they congregate to sleep and especially to s-t-r-e-t-c-h in the warming rays. Have you ever noticed that a cat does little before it stretches? Smart cat.
We tend to do just the opposite. We begin a new exercise plan, get up from an extended period of sitting or lying down, or any number of things without giving a thought to stretching our bodies out for the next activity. And, at times, our bodies retaliate.
We are made up of an incredible amount of muscles and those muscles need some heat in them to work correctly. Stretching does just that--it gets them prepared for the task or adventure.
Some of you may practice various types of yoga--great idea! Yoga is very body-friendly and gives those muscles just the encouragement they need to work more efficiently. Even something as simple as a gentle spinal twist while sitting for long periods of time will work wonders.
There are a tremendous number of good yoga You Tube videos, books, dvds, etc. in libraries as well as online. Don't forget we also have trainers in the area that teach yoga as well.
I started out years ago with a Yoga for Dummies vcr tape and became happily hooked. I'm not the greatest about practicing it faithfully everyday, but I do make sure I get a few stretches in each day to keep things in check.
So, if you feel more creaky than flowing the next time you raise up out of a chair or upon waking in the morning, think about adding a little yoga to your day. Don't ever forget to act like that cat and s-t-r-e-t-c-h!
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