Before we get into today’s post, I just want to introduce all to the lovely Vaida who runs a blog over at Don’t Tell Anyone. Vaida has recently joined the LFB team and will be guest posting on LFB, mainly contributing to the conscious beauty and health section of LFB from now on, which I am extremely excited about. Today, Vaida is here to talk to us all about the importance of stretching:

Why it’s so important to stretch out?

We all know why it’s important to keep up with the active lifestyle and what good it does for both: our body and soul! It doesn’t really matter what kind of activity you choose, either it’s fitness, swimming, dancing, cycling, rollerskating, – as long as you keep moving daily — you’re more than just fine! But have you ever wondered why it’s so important to stretch out? Why many fitness mentors as well as personal trainers and health advisers mention stretching that often and requires you to pay more attention?

Just as working out so does the stretching might seem to be not for everyone at first, but being honest – I get all shaky when I hear people saying that fitness isn’t for them. I mean, seriously? People are meant to be active. The matter of fact, fitness is for everyone, or more specifically – an active lifestyle! We are meant to walk, run, do lots of various activities and sports, and we are the only living species so versatile when it comes to movement. So stretching is for everyone also! Actually – it’s a must. Either you exercise daily, weekly or not, as long as you do work and live your live in many different static positions – not stretching out can cause lots of health issues and be one of the reasons for those. If not today, then tomorrow…

lovefromberlin.net - Health and Beauty - stretching - Guestpost: Vaida of donttellanyone.net

But let’s focus on the positive! Here are the few reasons why stretching it’s so important:

1. Good Posture, Better Blood Flow, and Confidence
It’s easy to forget to stretch. It’s often overlooked because the results are not as visible as lifting weights and squatting—or so you thought. Stretching can lead to better posture, fewer aches and pains, greater confidence, and a cheerier outlook on life.
That’s because stretching increases your blood flow and circulation for a healthier body and sends oxygen to your brain for a clearer mind and sunnier moods.

2. Great for Glutes
When we’re at work, we do a lot of sitting, but did you know sitting is tough on your body, especially on your glutes? When you’re sitting, the nerves that activate your glutes can shut down in a very short period of time.
If you are a repetitive ‘sitter,’ the glute muscle begins the process of atrophy. This means that the glute muscle begins to degenerate (not in a good way). When your glutes shut down, other muscles and joints in your body become over-stressed and can result in pain in places such as the knees and lower back. The most effective way to combat this problem is to keep your glutes active. Getting up and stretching your glutes and hip flexors is a good first step to wake up these muscles. Whether you work out or not, stretching these tight muscles can reduce future injury and pain.

lovefromberlin.net - Health and Beauty - stretching - Guestpost: Vaida of donttellanyone.net

3. Terrific for your thoracic spine
Your thoracic spine, which is located in the middle of your back, is very important to stretch and keep moving. Simple rotational stretches throughout the day are extremely important if you drive, sit, or just stay in one place for a few hours of the day.

4. Better balance
Daily use of muscles can cause them to get tight, especially if you regularly carry a backpack or bag. The heavier the bag, the more your body can tighten up on one side. Stretching can alleviate muscle tightness and bring your body back to feeling better balanced.

5. Workout wonders
And obviously, if you are working out regularly, stretching can do your body wonders. After exercising, your muscles may feel tight. During weight training, your muscle length shortens; this can leave you feeling tight and sore. Directly after your workout, you should stretch the muscles that you just trained to feel less tense, as well as before the workout session – a short stretching can also work as a warm up!

lovefromberlin.net - Health and Beauty - stretching - Guestpost: Vaida of donttellanyone.net

Don’t forget to stretch smart!
To reap the benefits of stretching, you have to do it the right way. Hold the stretch at the first sensation of resistance, then breathe your way through it. Imagine and feel the muscle tissue becoming more supple.
Modify, adapt, and adjust the stretch to suit your particular needs. Use padding under your knees for example, or try the same stretch sitting down, lying down, or standing up if it’s more comfortable for you.
Instead of thinking, “I’m so tight!” or “Stretching is agony,” replace your ‘mental soundtrack’ with “This is just what my body needs” and “I’m getting more flexible each time I stretch.”
Happy stretching!

In this post I’ve also included few stretching exercises which you can do daily! These are very important if you’re working in static positions, or spending lots of time at the desk!

lovefromberlin.net - Health and Beauty - stretching - Guestpost: Vaida of donttellanyone.net

Want more “Conscious conscious beauty & health”?


Interested in guest-posting for LFB? Then GET IN TOUCH!


Stay conscious, Rae

Vaida Tamosauskaite

I’m Vaida - brand and blog designer, photographer, also lifestyle and fitness blogger! I help creative entrepreneurs, businesses and bloggers to grow their brands and build the visual identity.

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  • Such an important reminder, especially given that so much of our lives are spent sitting. I love the replace your mental soundtrack idea!

    Raashi
    reflectionswithraa.blogspot.com.au

    • rae

      So true, Raashi! So happy you liked Vaida’s guest post!

    • Vaida Tamošauskaitė

      Yes, we do need to remind these things to ourselves from time to time. I’m glad that I was a good reminder this time! Also glad you liked the mental soundtrack idea :) Thaanks Raashi x

  • Enjoyed this post, Vaida! It was really informative, I’ve gotta say I’ve generally neglected stretching so far.

    Jane / deluminators

    • rae

      So glad you loved this guest post, Jane!

    • Vaida Tamošauskaitė

      Oh, and that’s alright, Jane! I know how it feels at first! However I’m very glad that now you might have changed your mind and you’re already into stretching, riiight? :)))

  • This is such a useful post! I’ve always loved stretching it just feels so good. Which is one of the reasons my body enjoys yoga so much. Thanks for sharing!

    • rae

      Such a fan of yoga as well! So glad you liked this post, Corina!

    • Vaida Tamošauskaitė

      Yas. Amen to that. I also love bit of yoga, however my favorite workouts are definitely something more cardio! Anyways, thumbs up for an active lifestyle! I’m glad you liked this post! x

  • You can’t beat a good stretch! I do it in the morning and I feel more open and awake and my body more nimble.

    Hanh | Hanhabelle

    • rae

      I could not agree with you more, Hanh!

    • Vaida Tamošauskaitė

      Indeed! And yes, I totally relate to you. I’m the same! I’m very lucky, as since I’ve moved to Australia I can also run to the beach and do morning stretching down there. And that is the best way to wake up! Trust me :) If the weather is good, go and stretch outdoors. It does wonders!

  • welcome to the team, vaida! and daaammnnn you’re so fit! a great stretch in the morning makes me feel more positive for the day. something i haven’t done much lately. gotta fix that up!

    xx http://tanaditya.co.vu

    • rae

      Vaida is very blessed with a lovely figure but I am sure it is also a lot of hard work, so I am very impressed! My on the other hand… Right know I am knee deep in a bowl of pasta … lol.

      • Vaida Tamošauskaitė

        Hah! You girls! x I’m currently also kinda swimming in the bowl of pasta rather than the ocean. But soon! Need to get back on the track indeed :) However yeah, being fit is quite a lot of a work and I know it’s hard to get it started.

    • Vaida Tamošauskaitė

      Yay! Thank you! That is such a wonderful welcome :) I’m very glad and honored to be part of LFB team! And I couldn’t agree more with you about the positivity after morning workouts and stretching. Thats even better than coffee, hah!

  • So, so true! I spend most of my time sitting at a desk and I can just feel my muscles tensing from my bad desk posture. I love a good stretch and should definitely get back into it :)

    • rae

      Ah I have the same problem with the desk sitting. A good stretch is definitely needed when so much time is spent hunched over!

    • Vaida Tamošauskaitė

      Yas. I totally relate to you! I guess many of us spend most of the time sitting at our desks, and that’s one of the reasons why do we need to stretch the most! I’m glad you liked the post! I promise more coming soon enough! x

  • Great post, Vaida! Also, looooooove that tattoo. I only recently learn about thoracic spine and stretching and it’s changed my back health (if that’s a thing). Looking forward to more of your posts. Especially about health!

    Kiersten

    • rae

      So glad you liked Vaida’s guest post and yes, stretching does wonders for the health! So glad you are excited to have Vaida as part of the LFB team!

    • Vaida Tamošauskaitė

      Oh Kiersten! Sorry for my late reply! I’m so so so glad you liked it! And yay, thanks! I like my tattoos also, haha! x And yes, hooray for the good changes of your back! I had some problems as well, however stretching did wonders! It’s so necessary for both: our physical and mental health!

  • Love these tips, very informative. Thanks for sharing! I might start doing these now. :) Anyway, I hope you could check out my recent challenge and outfit posts. Hope to hear from you soon!

    Love, Airish
    Gorgeous Glance
    http://www.airishabella.blogspot.com

    • rae

      So glad you liked Vaida’s post, Airish!

    • Vaida Tamošauskaitė

      Thank You, Airish! I’m glad you found them informative and that they even sounded good enough to try! Let me know how it worked! x

  • Great post! I love to come home from work and take a few minutes to get out my yoga mat and stretch. I notice I sleep much better after stretching and I feel better the following morning as well =o)

    http://dreamofadventures.blogspot.com/

    • rae

      Coming home and stretching is such a good way of winding down after work! And yes, stretching does wonders for a good night’s sleep as well!

    • Vaida Tamošauskaitė

      Yay! I feel ya :) I’m the same. Stretching also helps me to wake up :) I’m glad you liked this post! x

  • Sophie Lee

    Great place to do the workout <3

    xoxo, Cool style for men

  • Martín Araujo

    Hello ! Anyone knows streching gyms or places in Berlín ? I liked this post ; )