Stretching

There is a new type of fitness strategy gaining traction across the country. “Stretching is important for the non-athletic, deconditioned aging baby boomer,” says Jordan Gold, founder of StretchZone. “If a muscle is not used, the opposing muscle will tighten and a loss of movement can occur from a lack of activity. That’s where stretching studios, where professional stretches reeducate the muscles in a scientific manner, come in. When there is less excessive muscle tension, you can move with greater range of motion and less pain.” Of course, Helene has been called to do therapeutic stretching for her clients for a variety of issues, not really understanding that she was part of a national trend. Today, she has a private stretching studio at the gym.

Improved flexibility in your deeper muscle groups frees your painful and restricted joints, and is particularly successful in relieving back, knee and hip pain without surgery. Placing pressure on certain trigger points in the body increases blood flow which decreases pain, promotes healing from surgery and improves one’s overall quality of life.

In addition, most people over the age of 30 often have some form of osteoarthritis, osteopenia or osteoporosis, leading to ongoing pain, weakness and unexpected flair-ups. White collar workers who sit all day or those who simply maintain a sedentary lifestyle may also experience extremely tight joints and muscles in their back, neck, hips, knees, elbows and shoulders, restricting motion and putting one at risk for injury. For those with lupus, MS, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome who simply accept ongoing pain, weakness and fatigue as a fact of your life, stretching is great news for you! news!