Better mobility and reduced pain could be a few simple stretches away
Luke McClellan, general manager of StretchLab in Greenville, sees it all the time: people come in unable to swing a golf club, sit on the floor with their grandkids, reach their spice rack. And after a few sessions of assisted stretching—and sometimes even just one session—they see remarkable improvement in how they feel and how they function.
“I think deep down, everyone knows they should be stretching, but they haven’t been able to put it into action,” he says.
Stretching does much more than improve flexibility. The Mayo Clinic reports that a regular routine can improve performance in sports, decrease risk of injury, increase blood flow to muscles, and help joints move through their full range of motion.
These benefits can allow people to accomplish simple daily activities, like getting in and out of their car, and can also allow them to take on activities they may have given up on, like tennis or hiking—further boosting their fitness and their quality of life.
“Our typical consumer is fifty-five and up, and they have a lot of different goals,” McClellan says. “We design a routine that’s going to be as beneficial as possible for that individual person.”
While StretchLab offers one-on-one assisted stretch sessions, along with any equipment needed, lead flexologist Eric Eckelman says there are plenty of beneficial stretches people can do at home to get started. Just a few minutes a few times a week may be all it takes to get back to what you love.
Try these at home
Get on the floor
Eckelman says this is a great way to release the muscles of the low back. Lie on the floor and extend your right arm. Roll your right knee across your body to the left, using your left arm to gently press the knee toward the floor. Listen to your body to ensure you apply just enough pressure—you should feel a light stretch but no pain.
Grab a chair
Using a chair for stability, take a step forward with one foot. Straighten both legs and then slowly lean forward. Lean just until you feel the stretch in your lower back, hips, and upper and lower leg. Repeat on the other side.
Take a seat
One common issue is tightness of the piriformis, a small muscle deep in the hip. This can cause knee issues if unattended. Combat this by sitting and crossing one foot over the opposite knee. Sit up tall and press down lightly on the bent knee; you should feel a light stretch throughout your hip. Repeat on the other side.
