Benefits of daily stretching
We all live busy lives and if you’re anything like me it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with to-do lists like planning what’s for dinner, walking the dog, getting the kids to school, and my absolute favorite - the never ending loading and unloading of the dishwasher!
And in addition to all that, trying to eat well and stay healthy by getting in some form of exercise. As a physical therapist, I see clients every day who benefit and feel better getting some intentional movement in whether for improved strength, mobility or just moving with more ease. I know for me it’s easy to get distracted by the doldrums of daily routine and can be hard to squeeze in more than a dog walk as my exercise for the day. What I’ve found helpful for me is just doing some light stretching throughout the day and how it makes me feel looser afterward - if I’m at my standing desk at work I’ll do a couple quad stretches, at home while cooking dinner I’ll stretch my hamstrings putting my leg on my kid’s counter kitchen tower, I like to them of them as little stretch “snacks” I fit in during the day that only take a couple mintues and don’t have to be a dedicated “workout” time where I have to be in my workout clothes or wear myself out to feel a benefit and I feel better after. I also recently read an article about the benefits of zone 0 training (link below) basically describing the benefit of consistent low level activity throughout the day and it’s health benefits instead of the pressure of fitting in an intense workout during the day.
In addition to light stretch “snacks” throughout the day, assisted stretching where a partner helps move your body through it’s ROM to facilitate a stretch is a helpful tool to increase ROM and relieve muscle tension for low back, hips, knees, or shoulders. If you live in the Lakeway, Bee Cave, Steiner Ranch area and need a quick stretch break after sitting in carline taking your kids to school, work from home and need a quick stretch break or need an early morning stretch to start your day, I happily offer assisted stretching to help you move and feel better throughout the day. Please reach out via text, email or phone if you’d like to schedule an initial visit. Thanks!
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/aug/10/the-zone-zero-secret-how-ultra-low-stress-exercise-can-change-your-life
Jeff
(737) 334-9310
jeff@physioxpt.com