‘It’s just because I’m getting old’… Getting stiff, sore, achy and immobile, feeling less and less able to do things and seeing a progressive downhill spiral.
Feeling sore = less able to move regularly = less motivated to try because it hurts = little or no movement = more stiff and sore. Sound familiar?
Most movements we do during a normal day involve just forward bending – reaching arms forward, contracting, bending forwards, or sitting. Not often does normal life take us into a back bend, side bend or twist, meaning that these planes of movement become stiff and locked.
Our joints need to move in all the directions available to them regularly. If we don’t use it we lose it.
When we move a muscle in a particular way, it contracts. Over time with regular contraction and no extension (stretching the opposite way), the muscle and connective tissue will become shorter, causing sensation of tightness and achy-ness. Opposing muscles then become tired and sore in an attempt to regain balance.
For example: Spending most days sitting at a desk or driving. The muscles in the front of the chest and shoulders are constantly contracting, pulling the chin and shoulders forward. This causes chronic shortening of the muscles in the front side of the body, and over time we find ourselves stuck in a hunchback position. The muscles in the back of the neck, behind the shoulder blades and down the spine become achy and tired as they attempt to keep us upright.
Many people think this tired, achy stiffness is due to age, but I know many people who are in their 60s and 70s, who are committed to doing daily stretches who are more mobile and pain free than some in their 30s.
Our bodies need to stretch. Regularly. It is important to prevent pain and injury and is a surprisingly fast remedy for sore muscles and joints. Honestly just a few regular stretches most days can transform a body from stuck, sore and painful to feeling free, mobile and relaxed.
There are many ways to do this, you could:
Come to Yoga! Mondays 6:30am / Tuesdays 12:15 / Thursdays 9:15am
Youtube search for stretches to release a particular body part
Get personal advice from a Physio / Yoga teacher / Pilates instructor
Online movement classes
Join a local movement class – tai chi is fantastic if your movement is already significantly restricted. Pilates and Yoga are well proven to help you feel fantastic
There are many causes of physical pain, not just tight muscles of course. But adopting a regular routine of stretching is a simple and incredibly effective way to relieve pain and tension – much better for you than taking painkillers and anti-inflammatories, which just turn off the warning light rather than treat the cause.
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