Superstretch

“Stretching regularly will bring life and tone into your muscles and freedom and space to your joints. It will reduce tension and strain in your body and your spine will feel 10 years younger.
  Stretching has an anti-ageing effect. As we age, the fluid in our body decreases and the elasticity in our muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and skin start to weaken. We literally start to shrink. Gravity doesn’t help the situation.
  When you stretch, you are helping your body to remain young as it boosts the circulation of lubricating fluid and blood to these vital areas so they stay supple and strong. Your face and skin also start to show signs of ageing, but stretching helps to stimulate and nourish your face, helping you to look alert and energised. Stretching also helps to improve your posture, helping you to move and breathe easily and look dynamic.

Your Joints
Shoulders, neck, knees and hips are joint areas where many of us feel discomfort or pain and where we can all benefit from stretching regularly. Your joints are connected to your bones and muscles by means of connective tissue. This can become less and less elastic as we age, causing stiffness and pain. Stretching can help you to soften the connective tissue around these joints.
  Stretch very slowly to avoid injury and to let your body get used to it. You can expect to feel some major increases in the range of movement after following a regular programme of practice. You will feel taller, more flexible and relaxed. You will also notice you have more energy as your body moves freely with less effort...”

The article continues to describes the different types of stretches and benefits, and outlines some simple stretching exercises. It is reproduced courtesy of the book SUPERSTRETCH by Jacqueline Lysycia, published by Hamlyn. It is available on SPECIAL OFFER to Yoga & Health magazine readers. Please see page 5 of the May 2008 issue for details.