Everything On Stretching

Flexible girls are happy girls because they have bragging rights, and I am not a happy girl. This article not only shows my stretching journey, but also tips on how to stretch efficiently and the science behind stretching. If you are somebody with tight joints or often forgets to stretch, read more for everything on stretching.

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Stretching should be practiced sooner rather than later. Once you leave sports in high school, many young adults forget to maintain their limberness. As you grow older, stretching becomes more difficult and the lack of flexibility limits your activity.

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When I was 10-years-old, I was invited to a lot of gymnastic parties. I'd watch my friends do backbends from the sidelines. I was so tight that I couldn't even touch my toes! Maybe it's a genetic thing because I should have been way more limber. As a 20something adult as stiff as an elder, I knew that I need to add stretching to my routine.

In order to hold myself accountable, I track my stretching progress through YouTube and Patreon videos. (On Patreon, I post a "stretch with me" on the last day of every month. Pledge to my Kitty tier ($5) to watch.)

I don't care if you're reading this article to improve your bedroom or dance skills. Everyone should stretch a few times a week.

Everything on Stretching

Physics Girl on YouTube explored the science of the stretch: What is going on in your body? Flexibility is determined by genetic makeup and somebody's stretching routine. Although you may be born with tight ligaments, you still have hope.

But do not expect instant results with any stretch routine. Also, some bodies will never be able to fold themselves in half. The truth hurts, I know. 

Tips for Creating a Stretch Routine

• Static over dynamic - So instead of trying constant movement to push your ligaments, try to hold a pose. Both work, but static showed the most rapid improvement.
• Six times a week - Stretching all seven days did not provide any greater results according to case studies.
• Five minute routine once per day - You only have to stretch for five minutes to see an impact in the long run.

Months before, I learned that I was not as flexible as my friends. I knew that I was flexible in smaller parts of my body, like thumbs and elbows, because I was double jointed. I researched as to why this may be.

Why am I not as flexible as my friends?

• Your genetic makeup made you have less elasticity in your joints and ligaments
• You practice limited range of motion
• ​Never regularly stretch

Sleeping curled into a ball or sitting all day at a cubicle can affect your flexibility quickly. Try to be mindful to give yourself breaks to get up and walk around. If you can train yourself to sleep on your back, you will notice an improvement with time. 

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I challenged myself.

I created my own 30-day stretch routine that revolved around widening the legs and touching my toes following Physics Girls' recommendations. I vlogged from start to finish. Watch my journey below.

How can I add variety to my stretching?

 Like a workout routine, doing the same thing over and over again becomes boring. You will soon fall out of habit and forget to stretch entirely. Here are some ways to make your stretching more dynamic.

• Stretch with a friend
• Use a wall
• Use a ball 
• Find online challenges
• Multitask 

Great poses to stretch

The internet provides many poses, so I suggest choosing a goal when creating a routine. Here are the Top 100 Yoga Poses to help.

More articles on stretching

• The 21 Best Stretching Exercises for Better Flexibility - www.self.com
• This Man Stretched for 10 Minutes a Day for a Month. Here's What Happened. - www.menshealth.com
• 15 Stretches You Should Do Every Damn Day - www.dailyburn.com

Have more advice to contribute? Let me know in the comments.