Staying supple is an important aspect of exercising. Here are 3 ways to help you stretch like a pro, and get the most out of your time at the gym
Timer
One of the most common things I see in the gym, is that people don’t stretch for long enough. It’s usually 1,2, miss a few 99, 100. Next!
Having a timer is an easy way to do this. There are plenty of HIIT apps that you can use to stretch to as well as a Gymboss. Which is what I use as I don’t like to take my phone into the gym.
Specificity
What areas do you need the most stretch in? Your muscles work in pairs. So if your hamstrings are tight, chances are that you need to stretch something at the front of your body too. Quads or hip flexors are an obvious one to check particularly if you spend a lot of time sitting!
Props
What small equipment will help you stretch. Sometimes it’s a block under your bum to help with seated stretches. Yoga straps can be useful and different to Pilates bands which have stretch in them. Sometimes just trying both to see what works best for you!
Bonus
Standing stretches are often balancing too, so make sure you are well supported and focusing on the stretch and not keeping balance!
Samantha Valand is a Pilates teacher, Yoga Instructor and Personal Trainer. Who helps over fifties women fall in love with exercising again after the menopause. You can find some inspiration over on the blog If you are interested how coaching can help you can start here. Samantha has a free monthly newsletter to help you live healthy ever after.
