Don't Forget to Stttrrrreeetttcccchhhh

Appetizer
Stretch MORE often. Many people try to rationalize their reasons for not stretching by claiming that it's not important or it has nothing to do with health and fitness.

While it's true that stretching alone will not do much to shrink your thighs or get rid of "love handles," as part of a total fitness regimen, stretching offers countless benefits.

Main Course
Proven benefits of stretching:

● An increase in functional range of motion
● Reduction of lower back pain and back injury
● Improvement in posture
● Prevention and alleviation of muscle soreness after exercise
● Increase in the level of certain skills and muscular efficiency
● Promotion of mental relaxation
● An opportunity for meditation and self-evaluation
● Personal enjoyment and gratification

Dessert
I have to admit that stretching has always been the most neglected part of my training schedule. When I'm crunched for time or just plain tired, stretching is almost always the first thing to go. In the short-term, this doesn't really impact me but after a while I can tell that my lack of stretching can cause my overall fitness performance to suffer.

Not only do I tend to be more sore after workouts when I don't stretch, I am also usually embarrassed during exercise classes when the other women are folding up like gumby and I'm struggling just to touch my feet.

Take it from me...don't let your stretching go by the wayside.

About Cafe Physique:
The mission of Café Physique is to help clients reach and exceed their personal fitness and nutrition goals. If you’re in need of an a nutritionist in Atlanta or an Atlanta personal trainer – Café Physique is the perfect solution. We offer Atlanta yoga instruction, Atlanta prenatal workouts, and Atlanta personal training. We also have private sessions of pilates that Atlanta residents are raving about. We invite you to let a member of our Atlanta registered dietitian staff or personal training team develop and implement a realistic and healthy lifestyle plan to meet your personal goals.