BE FIT FOR LIFE Take Time to Stretch

from July 2023 Recreation & Culture Guide

People in Sport A R S E N S T E B L E T S K Y I

Enjoy a Whole Range of Benefits from Just Stretching

We all have some tight spots on our body - maybe it's our hamstrings, hips, upper back or shoulders. The fact is that our daily lives rarely promote good mobility - we simply sit and slouch too much!

Taking a little time to stretch brings a host of benefits including improved mobility, better posture, reduced muslce and joint pain, reduced headaches and stress, and improved breathing and blood flow.

Here are some ideas for incorporating some stretching into daily life:

- Take a walk and get your whole body moving: Swing your arms, do shoulder circles, lean your ear towards your shoulder, hug each knee to your tummy, kick your legs out straight or exaggerate twisting at your waist as you walk.

- Join a yoga or tai chi class. There are offerings around Lethbrdige Parks this summer. Check out the Interfaith Food Bank, Nordbridge Seniors or Nikka Yuko Garden websites for more info.

For more information, call 403-382-6919 or go to lethbridgecollege.ca/befitforlife

- Simply stretch - focus on the backs of your legs, the fronts of your hips and opening up through the front of your shoulders and chest. Try to hold your stretches for 30 seconds and keep them comfortable! Did You Know?