36 pictures to see which muscles you’re stretching is a downloadable PDF that highlights the name of each muscle being stretched and illustrates the anatomical position of that muscle.
In the simple tasks of everyday living, we often use our body in strained or awkward ways, creating stress and tension. A kind of muscular rigor mortis sets in.
If you can set aside a minimum of 10 minutes every day for stretching, you will offset this accumulated tension so you can use your body with greater ease.
Stretching should be done slowly without bouncing. Make sure you warm up or have a warm bath with magnesium or Epson salts. Hold each stretch for a minimum of 30 seconds while increasing the tension slowly. Hold only stretch tension that is comfortable to you and stop if it feels too painful. Do each stretch 2-3 times.
The key to stretching is to be relaxed. Breathe deeply and slowly while concentrating on the area being stretched. Regular stretching retrains your muscles and ligaments to better flexibility and movement.
In most Eastern traditions like Yoga and Tai Chi the emphasis is on Awareness through Movement, Breath and Relaxation.
Click on the link below to download and print your PDF copy of this article…
Pictures To See Which Muscle You’re Stretching
Stretching can lead to better posture, fewer aches and pains, greater confidence. It releases dopamine which helps you feel happier and more positive about the world!
It’s easy to forget to stretch. It’s often overlooked because the results are not as visible as lifting weights and squatting—or so you thought.
Vicky Timón, a yoga expert and author of “Encyclopedia of Pilates Exercises,” created these beautiful illustrations, and James Kilgallon, CSCS, creator of Mazlo’s Body Maintenance Program, contributed the expert commentary.