Daily Fit Tip: Stretch throughout the day

Lots of you fail to stretch on a regular basis, because you have limited time right? I know it's hard. I'm a Mommy and a professional and I only get so much time to spend at the gym before I simply have to get somewhere else. It's like that for everyone. Given 60 minutes to train, most folks will choose cardio and strength cause those are the things that get us trimmer and harder.

Don't feel guilty about neglecting to stretch at the gym. It's OK. Just don't neglect to stretch all together. If I were to have my way 100% of the time, we'd all have time to do complete cardio, strength training, and stretching at each workout. It's simply not reality though. So......what do you do? Stretch throughout the day!

• When you wake up, stretch like a cat in your bed.
• Stretch out your triceps in the shower.
• Reach down and stretch your hamstrings while tying your shoes.
• While walking through a doorway, grab the door frames at shoulder height, continue to walk through and hold as you stretch your chest.
• While sitting at your desk, twist at the waist and stretch your low back.

Those are just a few ideas, but they're a great start to get you moving in the right direction. Instead of neglecting efforts towards becoming more flexible completely.....just squeeze it in here and there. Flexibility training is important for keeping your muscles pliable. Pursue it and you'll be less likely to strain or tear muscles. You'll be less likely to fall from lack of balance. You'll have greater range of motion and more ability to reach things. Wouldn't it be nice to just zip up that dress yourself? How about putting on your socks without howling? You'll also improve at sports.

If you get to stretch post warm-up and post workout, terrific! If you can't, then do it when you can.