imported_admin
07-25-2001, 11:58 PM
Importance of Stretching
January 19, 2000
An important component of any exercise program is stretching. As we age, we become much less flexible and stiff. Our bones and joints often ache, and we notice that our spine seems to be curved instead of straight. This stiffness and shriveling up isn't a necessary part of the aging process! You can prevent many of these symptoms by adding stretch and flexibility exercises to your routine.
Those of you familiar with the T-Tapp Workout or Hit the Floor know how I incorporate stretching throughout the workout. For those of you not familiar with the T-Tapp Workout, I suggest getting the following Target Pop videos: Primary Back Stretch and Gymnastic Stretch. Primary Back Stretch is the secret movement that helps reverse "dowager's hump", increase spinal flexibility, and increase metabolic rate, circulatory system and lymphatic function. This 5-minute movement sequence will make any type of exercise more effective. It is part of the T-Tapp Total Workout, but the Primary Back Stretch Target Pop video will teach this exercise to the Point of Perfection for only $19.95. Gymnastic Stretch Target Pop video teaches another special movement that will slim inner thighs and increase hip flexibility. Gymnastic Stretch Target Pop retails for $14.95.
Yoga is another way to realign spine and keep joints flexible. Find a reliable center or teacher in your area and give it a try. I personally like the Bikram method of Yoga where they keep the room warm.
Stretching, by the way, does help you get leaner. You help your internal organs digest food better when you're not squishing them with poor posture or too much impact aerobics. You also eliminate toxins with stretching, so cellulite removal or prevention should always include some type of stretching.
Here's an easy way to incorporate stretching into your daily routine... use a rope to help you stretch your body. Hold it overhead, taut between outstretched hands (I like using my jump rope or my detached broom stick). Now pull to the right and hold, bending from the waist. Be sure feet are hip width apart with toes forward, knees bent and pushing outward. Come back to center, and pull to the left as far as you can, bending from the waist. Now lean forward, bending from the waist, but holding your rope in front of you. Slowly bend your body like a hinge (keep knees slightly bent and pushing outward!) until your hands touch the floor.
Another great stretch is the supine runner's stretch. Lie on your back and raise one leg up 90 degrees to the floor. Grab your calf, ankle or toe -- whatever is available for you -- and gently pull back so that you feel the stretch in your hip and back of the leg. Lower it and repeat with the opposite leg.
Last of all, don't forget to stretch your feet/ankles. Lie on back with legs up --point/flex toes for 8 counts, roll ankles/feet outward for 8 counts, then repeat rolling inward for 8 counts. This simple stretch will help stimulate lymph system and work with gravitational pull to help blood flow back to heart. Great for those going through pregnancy to help prevent varicose veins and relieve swollen ankles! Ditto for those who stand all day at work!
The T-Tapp Workout involves a lot of spinal stretching - the secret to successful weight management and pain free backs. Get strong, flexible and stretch! It's just another basic for a better body... the T-Tapp Way!
Best wishes until next week!
Teresa Tapp
January 19, 2000
An important component of any exercise program is stretching. As we age, we become much less flexible and stiff. Our bones and joints often ache, and we notice that our spine seems to be curved instead of straight. This stiffness and shriveling up isn't a necessary part of the aging process! You can prevent many of these symptoms by adding stretch and flexibility exercises to your routine.
Those of you familiar with the T-Tapp Workout or Hit the Floor know how I incorporate stretching throughout the workout. For those of you not familiar with the T-Tapp Workout, I suggest getting the following Target Pop videos: Primary Back Stretch and Gymnastic Stretch. Primary Back Stretch is the secret movement that helps reverse "dowager's hump", increase spinal flexibility, and increase metabolic rate, circulatory system and lymphatic function. This 5-minute movement sequence will make any type of exercise more effective. It is part of the T-Tapp Total Workout, but the Primary Back Stretch Target Pop video will teach this exercise to the Point of Perfection for only $19.95. Gymnastic Stretch Target Pop video teaches another special movement that will slim inner thighs and increase hip flexibility. Gymnastic Stretch Target Pop retails for $14.95.
Yoga is another way to realign spine and keep joints flexible. Find a reliable center or teacher in your area and give it a try. I personally like the Bikram method of Yoga where they keep the room warm.
Stretching, by the way, does help you get leaner. You help your internal organs digest food better when you're not squishing them with poor posture or too much impact aerobics. You also eliminate toxins with stretching, so cellulite removal or prevention should always include some type of stretching.
Here's an easy way to incorporate stretching into your daily routine... use a rope to help you stretch your body. Hold it overhead, taut between outstretched hands (I like using my jump rope or my detached broom stick). Now pull to the right and hold, bending from the waist. Be sure feet are hip width apart with toes forward, knees bent and pushing outward. Come back to center, and pull to the left as far as you can, bending from the waist. Now lean forward, bending from the waist, but holding your rope in front of you. Slowly bend your body like a hinge (keep knees slightly bent and pushing outward!) until your hands touch the floor.
Another great stretch is the supine runner's stretch. Lie on your back and raise one leg up 90 degrees to the floor. Grab your calf, ankle or toe -- whatever is available for you -- and gently pull back so that you feel the stretch in your hip and back of the leg. Lower it and repeat with the opposite leg.
Last of all, don't forget to stretch your feet/ankles. Lie on back with legs up --point/flex toes for 8 counts, roll ankles/feet outward for 8 counts, then repeat rolling inward for 8 counts. This simple stretch will help stimulate lymph system and work with gravitational pull to help blood flow back to heart. Great for those going through pregnancy to help prevent varicose veins and relieve swollen ankles! Ditto for those who stand all day at work!
The T-Tapp Workout involves a lot of spinal stretching - the secret to successful weight management and pain free backs. Get strong, flexible and stretch! It's just another basic for a better body... the T-Tapp Way!
Best wishes until next week!
Teresa Tapp