Why should we make time to stay flexible? I am, without a doubt, far less flexible these days. Donating enough time has been challenging until recently.
Finally, I started listening to my body. I am about to reach half a century. How? I have started having more sports/deep tissue massages at my practice (obviously!). It is an alternative to always giving them but never taking a dose of my own medicine.
I added the deep stretch class to my weekly exercise itinerary. It feels so much better with my local strength, cardio, and Pilates classes at Total Body Fitness in Warlingham. I can combine online training with some (strictly socially distanced) fitness classes on my busy days. Organizers have held these events in local halls and parks, which is perfect.
My new 21-year-old body (I wish) did save me the other day, though. I nearly went flat over a tree root on a fast walk or slow lollop in the woods. It made me realise that taking extra care of my hip flexors during the previous weeks had paid off. I was able to save myself from the fall in a way I would not have been able to previously. I speak from the experience of a few embarrassing falls along the way!
Why should we make time to stay flexible?
I didn’t ache the next day after challenging myself to a 5km run at a reasonable pace. The difference? Flexibility. My body can now noticeably withstand more physical stress and feels less pain daily, even though I am getting older. If I’m honest, I am around half to two-thirds as fit as I was in my 30s and 40s.
Regardless of this, flexibility has helped me improve my physical performance. I have finally learned the meaning of balance in my mental and physical life. This philosophy that I must always be working and always break a sweat when exercising has provided newfound freedom. In turn, it has given me a much-needed uplift of spirits. I brought back my positive state of mind post-lockdown.
Moreover, I am now embracing how to move forward in life rather than thinking, “Crikey.” I can’t run as fast or see many clients without feeling tired, but flexibility has done everything.
Chat about getting moving and booking a massage to the old limbs moving again! We are here to help!
