Stretching can provide an amazing recovery from a workout, cooling down and releasing lactic acid from the muscles, as well as increasing flexibility and joint mobility, which in turn encourages your body to perform at it's best at all times. Basically, stretching can speed up the recovery process.
Stretching is of utmost importance for me. I'm a shift worker, I sit at the computer for 12 hour stints (and then sit for another 2 - 3 hours on the computer at home) It's not unusual to find me up from my chair each and every hour performing a quad stretch, or sitting in my chair attempting to stretch my back.
I've been a bit lazy lately. Just two months ago after stretching on a regular basis, I was able to do the splits (which I have not been able to do for a good 20 years) A touch of laziness the last few weeks means I can no longer perform a full split. It's disappointing that I can lose flexibility so quickly!
I used to practice yoga on a regular basis and was a lover of Bikram for a long time. I haven't actually taken part in a yoga class in a long time. Maybe it's about time to make that step once again. (Thankfully, I have a Bikram studio just around the corner)
I will certainly be spending more time to cool down after each workout. And in addition, I will also be spending more time stretching each day.... especially after sitting on my wide butt for so many hours
:)
