Is stretching really a luxury item or a necessity.

I have been layed up today... just couldn't get out of bed and by the end of the day I can feel a cold coming on... so it's chicken soup for me tonight and early to bed with a little andrographis (little known immune boosting herb) some extra water to keep hydrated and a honey lemon perhaps with a little ginger as a kicker.

The email from the 12wbt team today spoke about stretching which has been quite topical for me lately. So I ask the question is it a luxury or a necessity.

The necessity of stretching

 

I love a good stretch and have made it part of my routine and injury management / prevention for many years. Every program I have done for both ironman and half ironman distances I have included a stretching class in most weeks. Normally I go to body balance at the local gym. This is an hour of Tai chi, yoga and Pilates mixed together. It has the extra benefit of a great core/back session in the middle and my favourite part is the  relaxation at the end. Quite a few of the class don't stay for the relaxation but focusing your mind for 5 minutes especially before you go to work for the day.

 

This time a new class has started locally by a friend and physiotherapist. 90 minutes of stretching.... very long relaxing stretching. Stretching our hamstrings, back muscles and gluteus maximus.What a great class. I know for many people 90 minutes of stretching would seem excessive but Sharon has us stretching slowly, very slowly and holding the perfect stretch in the best position to get the most out of it. Great value.

 

I always count the time I spend in a class as part of my weekly training regimen. It may seem soft to include 90 minutes of stretching in my weekly training regimen but I value the benefit from these sessions often more than some of the other recovery session in my week. Its all about the balance.

 

So off I head to my happy baby pose