Stretch Class; The Key to a Successful Exercise Program

Whenever I let a few weeks go by without exercising, I’ve learned that it’s smart to get back into it slowly. I know if I resume my workout sessions at the level at which I left off, I’m going to pull a muscle. I always do, even though I say I’ll take it easy at first. You know what it’s like. You’ve got those adrenalized feelings of abundant energy and heightened motivation and you’re going to get back in shape now!

Yes, we all tend to get turbocharged around the beginning of the year. We visualize ourselves as being fit, healthy and strong and we’re raring to go, which is why so many of us sign up for fitness classes. It’s not altogether surprising when we find ourselves quitting after a few weeks because of a pulled muscle, false expectations and because it’s impossible to find a parking space at the fitness facility since everyone else in the city is also there.

Well I’m all for positive moves and creative visualization; in fact, if you’ve read my other Hubs you know I’m pretty outspoken on those subjects; however, when it comes to beginning an exercise program allow me to suggest a different, dare I say easier method of reaching your goal.

I’m talking about Stretch Classes. Don’t snicker. Stretch class isn’t just for old ladies anymore. It’s for smart people who realize that getting your muscles ready for serious exercise is necessary to prevent strains, sprains, over-exertion, and good old fashioned exercise burn-out and disillusionment.

A good Stretch Class is what’s needed to get your body in shape for exercise. In a nutshell, you have to get in shape, to get in shape.

Some of us haven’t exercised in years so our muscles have gotten shorter. That’s why it becomes harder to touch your toes. The term “tightening up loose muscles” is seriously misleading. When we exercise to build our muscles, we actually create little tears in the muscle. When the tear heals, we “bulk up”, or “build muscle”.

Stretching your muscles lengthens them and makes them suppler. With each stretch class, you become more flexible and more graceful. Bending and reaching becomes easier. More importantly, you’re less likely to pull a muscle when you’re ready to do more strenuous exercise such as running, weight lifting, and aerobics… even Yoga.

When we stretch several things happen. Blood flow increases around the muscle, creating warmth and bringing in nutrients. It's unclear; however, as to what causes our muscles to burn during exercise. Researchers used to attribute it to lactic acid, but now it's believed that lactic acid actually provides the fuel needed to exercise. Whatever causes that subtle burning sensation as you Stretch, think of it as a gentle reminder not to over-stretch.

Stretching the major muscles in your body is like giving yourself a massage. It really feels good as long as you do not go to pain. Never take a stretch past the comfort zone. You should just feel a gentle pull on the muscle. Like a massage, the blood gets moving and the muscle relaxes and releases endorphins that make you feel good. You’re also doing your body a lot of good. After a one-hour class you’ll feel energized, more flexible and in better shape… And you’ll feel good knowing you’ve had the right kind of workout for your body.

When you take a Stretch Class, you’ll most likely be provided with a comfortable mat to lie on, a few towels to support your head and cushion your heels on the hard floor, and a stretch band.

An hour-long class will enable you to stretch most of your major muscle groups so you’ll loosen up those tight neck and shoulder muscles, open those hip flexors, even get the blood flowing in your fingers and toes.

You’ll learn that deep breathing as you stretch helps you relax muscles you didn’t even realize were tight. Tension subsides. You’ll be exercising muscles that were long dormant, especially if your usual routine workout was designed to target mostly “problem” areas. Using the stretch bands allows you to take the stretch to the edge of your comfort zone without having to strain other muscles. Because you move slowly and rhythmically (usually to soothing music), you become more aware of your body; which muscles are tighter, how stretching one muscle affects another, and so on. With each subsequent class, you’ll discover that your body becomes more balanced and that you can stretch deeper.

You’ll soon learn that working out can actually be pleasurable. Yes, you are working out! Even a Stretch Class gets the heart pumping, burns calories, reduces stress and tones the muscles.

I venture to guess that if you take it easy and begin with a well structured Stretch Class, you’ll find you’ll be working out well into late Winter, feeling stronger, more energized and ready to safely take on more challenging fitness classes. What’s more, you’ll have your pick of prime parking spaces at the fitness facility.

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