We’ve all heard how important stretching is, but how many of us really do it often enough, or even correctly? Guilty as charged. I work a full-time desk job and sit there for almost 6 consecutive hours per day. My work is solely online, and the communication is done mostly through email. The only times I usually get up is to use the restroom, get water, or break for lunch. When I type it out, it kind of sounds like the schedule of a prisoner… and I’m sure that’s exactly how my poor body feels.
Stretching After Exercising
You guys know I love to exercise! Finding the time to workout can sometimes be challenging , so you can imagine how excited I was when a small boutique TRX gym opened in my work building at the end of last year! The best parts are, the people who own it, and secondly, the fact that they offer a great place to work out, and a new innovative way to recover from your workout. Do you stretch before and after your workouts?
It’s so important! Let’s dive in.
TRX Gym in Birmingham, AL
In a previous post, I mentioned my new affinity for trying out smaller gyms with a specific niche. I really enjoy getting to know the owners and their methods, and vise versa. These boutique style gyms are also a great way for them to get to know you better. This personalized experience is beneficial for both parties because it allows them to plug into your strengths, goals, and personality to better tailor your workout experience.
Paula and Leigh at Stretch2Strength do such a great job at this, and it wasn’t until I started working out there that I heard the phrase, “Sitting is the new smoking.”
Have you heard this? I believe it.
The effects of sitting at a desk during a day’s work have on your body are so negative! Watch this quick 2-minute video from Huff Post on how sitting all day is even more dangerous than you may have thought, and possibly could be linked to some of your current ailments.
What is Fascial Stretch Therapy
So thankful to have discovered a wonderful business here in Birmingham that specializes in a breakthrough method called fascial stretch therapy or FST. Leigh Karagas and Paula Windle own Stretch2Strength, which incorporates both stretching and strength training.
My Mom and I recently went and experienced an hour-long full body stretch. This professional stretching service offers a method called FST. Facial Stretch Therapy differs from other stretching methods by targeting the connective tissue in our bodies, to lengthen the muscles and improve overall range of motion and flexibility.
The session involved very controlled assisted movements to obtain the proper amount of resistance without causing pain. This allows the muscles to respond in a way to maximize the benefits of stretching.
Professional Stretching Services in Birmingham, AL
Photos by Lindsey Drennan