Let's Get Flexy!

If nothing else this holiday season, take a few minutes each day to stretch.
Flexibility work is the secret weapon in weight loss. Flexible muscles resist injury. Flexible backs avoid pain. The stress relief from stretching just five minutes a day prevents added weight gain by reducing the amount of the hormone cortisol in your system. Cortisol shouts to the body, “Trouble, Trouble! Lay on belly fat!” Extra fat is useful for running from lions and surviving Alaskan winters. Otherwise—not so much.

The easiest way to figure out how and what to stretch it to join a group fitness class. In every class (especially yoga) you’ll get your daily dose of stretching. Gym staff will gladly show a few simple stretches for your legs, back, arms and shoulders.

However, if you aren't in a class, you can still stretch on your own--just do what feels good (if it doesn’t feel good, it won’t help). Be gentle with yourself and “melt” into stretches. The only way to hurt yourself stretching is to push or force a stretch. Relax and enjoy that “Ahhh” feeling.

Give yourself the gift of five minutes each day to stretch. You’ll release tension, become more graceful and fluid, lower your blood pressure and prevent fat gain. Try it this month—and for the rest of your life!