172 marieclaire.com.auPHOTOGRAPHY BY CLIQUE IMAGES/STOCKSY.COM. TEXT BY LUCY E COUSINS.APP
Zova is a personalised
workout app that creates
smart and efective
stretching sessions
based on your needs.PODCAST
Super Stretch Yoga
(free, iTunes) features
stretch-heavy yoga classes
designed to aid stress
relief and flexibility.STRETCH ME!
stretching
THE ART OF
Y
ou know the old saying,
a stretch is as good
as a holiday ... Well,
at least that’s how the
saying should go,
because studies have shown that
stretching can help with everything
from stress relief and anxiety to
flexibility and back pain.
According to Victoria Burdon,
personal trainer for workout and
stretching app Zova (zova.com), there
are times when a stretch might be the
best form of exercise for tired muscles.
“Although you might feel like a run
or a gym session, sometimes what your
body really needs is some dynamic
stretching [where your body is moving
during the stretch],” explains Burdon.
“When our muscles get tight, our range
of motion is limited and this can lead
to bad posture, soreness, reduced
strength and chronic pain, especially
in the lower back.”
Here are four situations where you
should choose a stretching session over
your usual workout:YOU’VE BEEN AT
A DESK ALL DAY
Sitting for long periods has been
proven to have serious long-term
health effects, not to mention the
postural problems and muscle stiffness
it can cause. So, if you’ve had a long
day, skip boot camp and settle in for
some stretching, advises Burdon.
“Stretching after a day [of ] sitting
down will promote blood flow to the
muscles, reducing soreness and
tightness from the lack of movement
throughout the day, and prevent
chronic muscle tightness.”
Focus on: Stretching your back,
neck and shoulders.When a workout
just won’t cut itCLASSES
Stretch Studio
(stretchstudios.com.au) in
Sydney and Melbourne
ofers stretching sessions
with trained flexologists.YOU’RE REALLY
STRESSED OR ANXIOUS
When your body is already working
overtime dealing with the effects of
stress and anxiety, the last thing it
needs is to be put under pressure with
high-intensity exercise. “Stretching
when you’re stressed will not only
force you to take a moment to step
away from the situation and calm
your mind and breath, but it will also
improve circulation, providing more
oxygen to the brain to help you think
clearer and focus better,” says Burdon.
Focus on: Slow movements, diaphragm
stretches and breathing exercises.YOU’VE WORKED OUT
EVERY DAY THIS WEEK
Recovery is an important part of any
exercise regime – even the world’s
top athletes don’t go hard every day.
According to Burdon, stretching is
a “great active recovery technique to
repair damage from the previous day’s
training and help maintain a full range
of motion, so you can continue to build
strength.” That being said, she stresses
that stretching should be done on
a daily basis, not just as active recovery
when your body needs a break.
Focus on: The muscles you use the
most in your current workouts.YOU HAVEN’T EXERCISED
IN A WHILE
Instead of jumping straight back into
exercise after a break, start to prepare
your muscles with stretching. “When
muscles have been stagnant for quite
some time, they can become tight and
stiff,” explains Burdon. “Stretching will
help loosen them by improving blood
flow, leading to better movement and
reducing your risk of injury like
muscle strains or sprained ligaments.”
Focus on: Stretches that work your
flexibility, balance and coordination.WELLNESS