| As
you get older, your shoulders begin to slump. Your posture is
slightly bent and less majestic than when you were several years
younger. Such physical circumstance will impede the flow of
your blood just as effectively as cholesterol build up. In other
words, you will feel sluggish. You will also feel little pains
in several parts of your body. But such pitiful condition of
your physique can be improved by using simple flexibility exercises.
Dr. Jo Fasen, a physical therapist of the Rehabilitation Institute
of Chicago recommends several stretching positions that will
help a person regain his flexibility. Some of the stretching
positions are best done in the morning, others are done in the
afternoon, and the rest are done in the evening. Here are the
couple of stretching exercises you can do in the afternoon.
At 1 PM, after the lunchtime break, you must
walk for several minutes around the nearest park or garden.
If no such place is available, you may walk along the corridors.
After this lunchtime walk, you may begin your stretching exercise.
It is a simple two-step stretch exercise. First, stand with
your feet several inches apart. One of your legs should be about
one to two feet in front of the other. This is your starting
position. Second, bend the knee of the leg in front. As you
bend this knee, make sure that the foot is firmly flat on the
ground. This knee should also be aligned vertically over the
ankle. You will notice that the heel of the back leg will need
to come off the floor. Just keep the toes of this foot in contact
with the ground. Tuck in your tummy and butt, tilt your pelvis,
and keep your posture upright. You will feel he front of your
hips being stretched. Hold this position for several seconds
and then relax. Repeat the process, but this time, the other
leg should be placed in front. This exercise will lessen any
hip pain you may have.
At 3 PM, when most of the day is done, you
may find it more comfortable to slump in your chair, although
you know that this bad posture will be detrimental to your blood
flow. It is time again for another stretching exercise. And
you only have one move to make. While sitting in your chair,
hook your right hand around the chair found to your right (not
your own chair). The palm of this right hand should be facing
you. Then, hold the chair firmly as you slowly lean forward.
While keeping your shoulders held back, move your left ear nearer
to your left shoulder and then lean your chin forward. You will
feel the right side of your neck being stretched. Repeat this
move with your left arm. This exercise can relieve your neck
pain.
As you do these stretch exercises, remember
to move in a slow controlled manner. Avoid bouncing or abrupt
moves.
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