Stretch for success

Stretching is vital for good posture. As we age, we tend to sit more, not on purpose - it is just what happens with lifestyle.

There is not a lot of standing time and activities such as reading and gardening also encourage leaning forward, which makes the muscles at the front of the body strong and tight, while the back needs to lengthen and stretch out.

Through stretching, balance and movement, we can tone and strengthen the back muscles, which promotes better posture, the ability to stand taller and reduce lower back pain.

The weekly stretch class at Stockland’s Halcyon Landing in Bli Bli (QLD) moves through a beautiful, gentle flow that extends into the traditional yoga stretching poses. We focus on managing lower back pain and arthritis, which can be alleviated by stretching.

There are also balance components throughout the class through grounding movements using the feet, which minimise the risk of falling. I love to encourage people to do more than they believe they can do and get them out of their comfort zone by succeeding and benefiting from improvement every week.

There is always something to work towards that is a bit more challenging whether that is balance, stretching or ability. People come into class looking very stiff and rounded and leave walking taller and moving more fluidly.

I really enjoy my sessions with the homeowners at Stockland’s Halcyon Landing, it is such a safe, welcoming environment and definitely my happy place to be.

Five tips for maintaining flexibility:

1.  To increase your balance, brush your teeth standing on one foot, or stand on one foot at a time while you are waiting for the kettle to boil.

2.  Add in incidental stretching throughout the day. Do a couple of sit-to-stand movements every time you get up from the couch.

3.  If you are constantly leaning forward to read or garden, open up your arms and chest by pressing your open arms against a wall and leaning in with a standing downward dog yoga movement.

4.  The supine stretch, where you twist around to look over and behind you, is another great back stretch to integrate into daily activity.

5.  If you are sitting down a lot during the day, try to stand and move around on the hour.  Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water will keep you moving too.