Flexibility- Why Stretch?

Everyone should do stretching exercises regardless of age or flexibility.
By stretching you will:
- Reduce muscle tension
- Improve coordination and body awareness
- Increase flexibility and range of motion
- Reduce risk of strain from unexpected over stretch
- Improve circulation
- Prepare for other physical activities

Attempt to integrate stretching into your daily routine. Always warm up first. Do not hold your breath while stretching. Do not strain yourself, a stretch should always be comfortable . Return to neutral slowly. Never change positions too quickly after a stretch is completed or a muscle spasm will occur. An average stretch routine should last about 15 minutes.

Have fun stretching!

Put Your Feet First

The average person takes between 3,000 and 6,000 steps a day. Those engaged in regular exercise might more typically take 20,000 steps a day. The way you walk might be the reason you are experiencing a variety of symptoms.
You can suffer pain that is caused by adnormal functioning of the way your feet move. Lack of proper foot care, and ill-fitting shoes are responsible for many problems. It is important to understand your feet have direct impact on the rest of your body as they support you with each step. A small abnormality in foot function can have a large impact on joints higher up in the body, causing pain, inflammation and discomfort.
Custom orthotics are inserts for your shoes that correct the way you stand, walk or run. When you are running, the pressure on your feet can be three or four times your body weight. Even walking can produce more pressure than the sume of your body weight. Custom orthotics can ensure that you disperse these forces evenly.
Therefore, get your feet checked and see if you need orthotics it could be the cause of your pain. Most extended health care plans do cover the cost for orthotics, so why wait!

Get Ready To Hit the Slopes

The two main causes of injuries among snowboarders and skiers are falls and collisions. To avoid injury strengthen your core muscles. Snowboarders need to stabilize and strengthen their upper extremities, like their shoulders and arms. Skiers need to strengthen their lower extremities, specifically quads and hamstring muscles. Core strength for the spine is important for both sports. Often when the knees get tired, more force is exerted on the spine with each bump. Therefore, do exercise that includes spinal strengthening and flexibility to ensure you have an awesome snowboarding and skiing season and do not forget to stretch at the end of the day!!!
Stay in Good Health....