Because I feel so great!

That is to say this morning I finally got around to doing my new stretching video I got myself for my last b-day. I've had it for over a week now, but with my little 18 month old munchkin running around its hard to find a minute, let alone 45 minutes to myself. Today was different however, that precious little boy took a two hour nap and that's how I made it happen. I'm telling you it felt so good!

It's not that stretching is an entirely new thing for me. I was a gymnast for years and stretching was equally important as any conditioning we did. It's just been too long. And I knew it, hence I bought the video. I like videos since they keep me interested in staying active during the winter. Okay, back on subject.

So after I finished I noticed I continued to feel so great, and had more energy. I decided I'd do more research on why stretching is so great so I'll have an even stronger motivation. I was impressed with what I found. I hope you are too!

1. Stretching increases the blood-flow to your entire body, improving your circulation and thereby getting more oxygen to your muscles and brain. I think this is why I felt like I had more energy afterwards.

2. You'll have increased flexibility. This decreases your chance of injury and increases your overall mobility. This is especially important as we get older.

3. It is a great way to relieve stress. When you stretch properly it helps to relieve muscle tension and give you a sense of overall well-being. This is a great way to start and end each day.

4. You'll have better posture. I didn't know this, but chronic tense muscles can not only affect how you appear on the outside but how your organs function on the inside too!

5. Stretching can reduce pain and sore muscles.

6. Stretching your spine has proved to improve mental function and alertness. I felt this today. I can honestly say my mind felt clearer and better prepared for the day. I think this benefit motivates me most of all.

So there's my little list of why stretching does so much good and why I really look forward to doing it more regularly. It really did make my day so much better, I just wanted to share. I know I won't always find the time so readily available, that my son won't always cooperate with a nice two hour nap. But I do know that even if I just take ten or fifteen minutes to stretch, and make it regular I will definitely enjoy the benefits.