| As
you get older, your shoulders begin to slump. Your posture is
slightly bent and less majestic than when you were several years
younger. Such physical circumstance will impede the flow of your
blood just as effectively as cholesterol build up. In other words,
you will feel sluggish. You will also feel little pains in several
parts of your body. But such pitiful condition of your physique
can be improved by using simple flexibility exercises. Dr. Jo
Fasen, a physical therapist of the Rehabilitation Institute of
Chicago recommends several stretching positions that will help
a person regain his flexibility. Some of the stretching positions
are best done in the morning, others are done in the afternoon,
and the rest are done in the evening. Here are the couple of stretching
exercises you can do in the afternoon. At
1 PM, after the lunchtime break, you must walk for several minutes
around the nearest park or garden. If no such place is available,
you may walk along the corridors. After this lunchtime walk,
you may begin your stretching exercise. It is a simple two-step
stretch exercise. First, stand with your feet several inches
apart. One of your legs should be about one to two feet in front
of the other. This is your starting position. Second, bend the
knee of the leg in front. As you bend this knee, make sure that
the foot is firmly flat on the ground. This knee should also
be aligned vertically over the ankle. You will notice that the
heel of the back leg will need to come off the floor. Just keep
the toes of this foot in contact with the ground. Tuck in your
tummy and butt, tilt your pelvis, and keep your posture upright.
You will feel he front of your hips being stretched. Hold this
position for several seconds and then relax. Repeat the process,
but this time, the other leg should be placed in front. This
exercise will lessen any hip pain you may have.
At 3 PM, when most
of the day is done, you may find it more comfortable to slump
in your chair, although you know that this bad posture will
be detrimental to your blood flow. It is time again for another
stretching exercise. And you only have one move to make. While
sitting in your chair, hook your right hand around the chair
found to your right (not your own chair). The palm of this right
hand should be facing you. Then, hold the chair firmly as you
slowly lean forward. While keeping your shoulders held back,
move your left ear nearer to your left shoulder and then lean
your chin forward. You will feel the right side of your neck
being stretched. Repeat this move with your left arm. This exercise
can relieve your neck pain.
As you do these stretch
exercises, remember to move in a slow controlled manner. Avoid
bouncing or abrupt moves. |
