June Challenge - Regular Stretching

I admit it. I have been somewhat slack on the cool down front when performing my exercise program. And strangely, this does not make sense. I love to stretch, I find it relaxing and also invigorating at the same time.

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

:)

The Benefits Of Yoga

I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed Yoga. I'd practiced it off and on for many years but really haven't practiced much for the last couple of years.

Lo and behold, I hurt my back, yet again! I'd been working out quite happily in the gym, squats, dead lifts, lunges etc with no problems. The after workout pain was that good pain you get, you know, when you can feel you've had a good workout and can enjoy those benefits coursing through your muscles?

I'd done all the right things, not lifted too heavy, ensured I warmed up and cooled down, had a rest day in between.....

Then, 3 days ago, as I bent down to look in the fridge, BAM! I ended up on the floor in agony! FFS! Beats me what I did, but the last 3 days have been a nightmare. The day after I ended up in pain I thought, hmmm gentle exercise is the way to go, so went for a walk. A walk that should have normally taken me 10 minutes (to the local supermarket) took me 45 minutes! I was crying when I got there! So I waved down a taxi to take me home! (I am sooo ashamed)

My usual 5 minute walk to work this morning took me 15 minutes! So when I got home I dug out my Yoga Mat and took it out onto the terrace and performed the basic Sun Salutation. I could not do the Upward Facing Dog without pain so the Low Cobra did the trick!! I had absolutely no problem with any of the other moves and was pleasantly surprised at my flexibility. I'm not as flexible as I once was but am still above the average.

Needless to say, Yoga is going to become a regular in my fitness routine...... I miss it, I love it and I think I need it!

Taking Time Out For Me!

How often do any of us enjoy complete time out for ourselves? I mean, with jobs, career, family, friends, where do we find the time for those little moments that help us to rejuvenate or relax?

I shouldn't talk, I've had plenty of time off recently when I was ill. But what I really needed was sunshine and a chance to really relax. Maybe a couple of cocktails, work on my tan....

Luxury means many things to many people. What does it mean to me? A relaxing massage. Sun, sand, surf. Being able to sleep in without the guilt. Eating my favourite meal (Seafood, Japanese, Mexican, depending on my mood that day) Catching a movie (with popcorn) Enjoying a bottle of wine. Great company, I could go on and on .......

I haven't had a real, relaxing vacation for almost 2 years! To be honest, every winter, all I want to do is run away to the tropics for a few days to rejuvenate. Sadly, finances make it next to impossible to do that.

But, we have booked ourselves a holiday at the end of the year. The weather should have improved by then, I will be by the beach and with my loved one! Some nice, relaxing lunches, dinners out, catching up with friends, sun, sand, no surf though! Sadly, Hawaii (see pic) is currently out of our price range, but I would LOVE to get back there some day!

The countdown has begun! But the question is...... can I wait that long?