Have you heard the comment, "Getting old is not for sissies!"? It hits me every time I have a new ache or pain or seeing a wince by a friend. Then, the other day, before my morning walk, I realized the simple act of bending over to tie my shoes helps me stretch.
From Healthline, "Simply put, our bodies adapt to the postures we spend the most time in, and, over time, those shortened muscles can cause more health problems." * It helps me to touch my toes and stretch my hips every morning before walking. While not everyone is as flexible or may have health issues, just try stretching every morning.
Try This: Stretch & Smile
The morning is a great time to start with a good stretch, so this week, here are a couple poses to try from Healthline:
- Child's Pose - helps you explore the range of motion by kneeling on the floor and stretching your arms above your head to help your shoulder flexibility.
- Standing Forward Fold - bend forward at your hips, lengthening the front of your torso to let your head hang down to stretch the hamstrings, open the hips, and release any tension in the neck and shoulders,
- Cat-Cow - On all fours, curve your back down and then up to increase spinal awareness as you inhale and exhale with each move. *
With my morning routine, after touching my toes as I put on my shoes, I also add a few hip stretches before heading out. It does put a smile on my face as I start on my walk.
* 7 Morning Stretches for Perfect Posture, https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/stretches-for-posture