So today I want to focus on the importance of stretching. I used to hate stretching. It seemed like a waste of time at the beginning and a bigger waste of time and extra effort at the end when I'm tired from my workout and I'm ready to collapse. Now...I still don't stretch at the beginning. I do a little warm up walk and that's the extent. But I always, ALWAYS stretch after my workout...especially my running. If you are considering a C25k program or starting to jog or whatever...I cannot stress enough how much stretching can help you. I've been "running" (I'm so slow...seriously..it almost shouldn't count) for 2 years now. And I have NEVER been sore the day after a workout. ***Side Note: There is ONE exception to this and that was my 2 5k's in one day but that was really just overdoing it with little training at all.*** Those of you who do yoga probably agree with me that stretching is all kinds of wonderful. But do you stretch outside of that? You should and here's why:
- Reduced muscle tension
- Increased range of movement in the joints
- Enhanced muscular coordination
- Increased circulation of the blood to various parts of the body
- Increased energy levels (resulting from increased circulation)
All I can say is that stretching after a run seems to "reset" my legs, thighs and back for the next day and helps prevent injuries. What more could you ask for from a 5 minute relaxed exercise at the end of a run?
NSV: So before I left for vacay, I broke down and bought a pair of running capris...the spandexy kind. Now I am a firm believer that there are people in this world that should never wear spandex. I also believe that I am one of them. However, I was having an issue while running and cycling where some extra skin and flab were flapping around like crazy. You could almost hear it flapping up against the rest of my body and it was making exercise a little uncomfortable, not to mention noisy. Yesterday, I wore them to the gym for the first time for everyone to see me in my compression garment wonder! And...I wasn't that mortified. That's a huge NSV for me. I figured since I showed them...I might as well show you. Please forgive the weird lighting and hair...was just after my workout and my 7 year old was the photographer. Be kind.
15 comments:
you look great---I love those running pants--I have 3 pair....I have to keep everything belted down or the motion in the ocean will knock me off the treadmill!
you do look great and that's honest not kind. That loose skin noise...I first came across that when I ran to get something (because I am not at the point when I run for any other reason) and I heard a clapping noise, looked around and realized it was my thighs. I am looking at it like this...my body is applauding the effort :D but I think when the time comes I will go the compression route way too.
I've been wearing the spandex capris for about a year now for the exact same reasons. At first, when I looked in the mirror, all I saw were the lumps and bumps but now I don't even think about it. The other day I stopped in the grocery store after a workout and didn't even think twice about it so I guess I'm comfortable with how I look in them...
Looking good! I wear spanx-like stuff all the time, but it's underneath my clothes - not quite ready to bust out the compression garments in public, I guess :)
LOVE tz's comment that the noise is your body applauding! HAH! I can run with that idea!!
I had the same issue and spandex, as much as we hate it at times, is a wonderful thing to prevent loose giggly bits.
Looking good hot mama!!
I do love to stretch as well.. seems like I am always hurting on some part of my body so stretching does my body good!
Looking good. congrats on the gym workout. It can be hard to keep motivating yourself to go... but you went. And that is what is important.
Message received on stretching. I need to do more of it! Will research some post work out stretches.
Your post made me smile and wish I could hug ya! You look good. Horay for NSV's! I haven't started running yet, but I did buy a pair of yoga pants, my girls hollered! They said they've never seen me in yoga pants and that I looked good. That sweet comment gave me the encourgement to wear the pants while walking instead of my heavy jeans :)
You look great!! BTW...that starting over all the time...that's what makes you great, persistance!
Looking fantastic, Manda!!
Oh my, where did you get these wonderpants? I need some. My skin is flopping around any time I even think about running.
I think you look pretty dang good in spandexy things :)
You look fabulous:) I'm a horrible stretcher and should definitely be smarter about it because I DO NOT stretch before or after I run. Not smart. I did take yoga in the spring and will definitely sign up gain in the fall. You are absolutely right! Stretching is uber important. Thanks for the reminder:)
Great reminder! If I'm in a hurry stretching is always the first thing to go, but I need to just make myself do it. I really enjoy it.
Love the capri pants! I have some like that and they're my favorite!
I agree, very cute. I also like the turquoise top.
I have started over a million times in my weight loss/weight maintenance journey, and I am doing it again too. I tell myself "I am better equipped today than ever before to succeed based on everything I have learned from every other time". I find that more encouraging than "You bozo, are you seriously still at this?"
I am in my 40's, and I am gentler on myself than I was in my 30's. :-) (New follower!) I share the tendency to analyze everything to death, but I've never been paid for it. :-( Congratulations on the huge amount of weight you have lost, and are maintaining, already! You look great.
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