WeStretch Blog

Two pieces of paper, one says "New Years Resolutions" and the other with three empty bullet spots.

Are New Year’s Resolutions Really Worth It?

Jan 3, 2022

Why do we make resolutions? As the end of the year rolls around and a new one begins, many people will start asking you about your New Year’s Resolutions. Either grudgingly or hopefully, you’ll share what …

A person reads a good book with a mug in hand.

Why Should I Regularly Relax?

Dec 27, 2021

When was the last time that you allowed yourself to relax? Not just mindlessly scrolling on your phone for hours, but giving yourself a break and feeling so calm that the tension melted out of …

A woman arches back with her eyes closed and her arms extended beyond her head.

Improving Your Posture- Small Steps for Big Results

Dec 20, 2021

Many of us can remember a time where a parent or a family member was on our case about improving our posture. Maybe they verbally nagged you not to slouch or they would poke your …

A woman stands in a field of sunflowers, stretching while facing the sun.

Can Stretching Help Boost Creativity?

Dec 13, 2021

Can stretching help to boost creativity? While the two concepts may feel separate at first, they are more connected than they seem. This stems from the idea that all elements of your life are connected, …

Running shoes walking away from the camera.

What Walking Actually Does for Your Health.

Dec 6, 2021

Think about the last time you went out walking. Was it indoors or outdoors? Did you go with someone or was it a solo excursion? Did you see anything cool or walk away with any neat insights? How did …

Kayla stretching in the light of the window.

The Importance of Stretching When You Feel Stressed.

Nov 29, 2021

As someone who regularly writes about stretching, I know about the importance and the benefits that come from doing it daily. Yet, when I personally underwent a significant amount of turmoil, I completely disregarded the …

A tree and its reflection over beautiful blue water.

How to Calm Down- A Quick Guide.

Nov 22, 2021

Throughout many of our lives, we have been told something along the lines of, “You need to calm down,” (thanks, T. Swift!) This could be because we got upset, we felt anxious about something, we …

A dog sits on a beautiful leather couch.

35 Stretches That You Can Do On The Couch.

Nov 15, 2021

Don’t be afraid to do your stretches on the couch when you’re having a lazy day! I don’t know about you, but I know there are times (usually late at night), when I realized I haven’t …

A woman in upward facing dog at home on a yoga mat.

Exercising at Home- Getting Started.

Nov 8, 2021

Whether it’s because your favourite gym is closed or that you think you should incorporate more movement into your life, doing exercise at home is a great way to improve your overall health. There are two …

A person wearing multiple layers of clothing and a headband runs towards the camera with a smile on their face, while others are occupied doing physical activity in the background.

What is Cross Training and How Do I Do It?

Nov 1, 2021

Cross training is where you do 2 or more different physical activities to improve your performance in your main sport or to increase overall fitness. It can be used to focus on increasing your flexibility, …

A person stands overlooking a magnficent view, with their arms splayed wide.

How to Gain Confidence in Yourself.

Oct 25, 2021

When I was young, I had an adult in my life ask me, "How did you gain this much confidence in yourself? Most adults don't have this kind of self-conviction." I had no idea, since I …

An iPhone displaying the year calendar of 2021.

A Year of Stretching- 365 Days of Flexibility

Oct 18, 2021

The evening that I discovered WeStretch is still clearly etched in my mind. I had finally found a fitness app that was truly flexible, one that would adapt to my needs and my limitations and …

Karen, founder of WeStretch, stretching in front of Edmonton's High Level Bridge.

Thirty Day Stretching Challenge with WeStretch

Oct 11, 2021

Many people know they should stretch, but they struggle with getting started. The first step to building a stretching habit is to make it as easy and fun as possible in the beginning. To help …

A woman stretching over her extended leg while seated.

How Long Should You Hold a Stretch?

Oct 4, 2021

You have decided to start stretching. You’ve put on the stretchy clothes, and you have the pamphlet of stretches that your physiotherapist gave you…. But now you’re wondering how long you should hold each stretch …

A bike parked near a sign that says "Follow That Dream" in a tropical location

Motivational Quotes to Improve Your Day.

Sep 27, 2021

When you’re looking to make a shift in your life, whether it’s needing a bit of motivation to stretch, for a change in mood, or even for major life changes, these motivational quotes can help …

A person stands on top of a mountain, with their fist raised towards the sky.

What is Mental Training and How Do I Do It?

Sep 20, 2021

What is Mental Training? Mental training is preparing your mind for the best possible outcome. It is the act of thinking and planning for your next action, which can help you to push beyond your limits …

A woman demonstrates a plank pose in the bright natural light.

Strengthening Your Core with Stretching

Sep 13, 2021

When you think of strengthening your core, you may think of hours spent at the gym. In reality, the best way to begin building core muscle strength is to start doing manageable exercises at home. …

A woman sits in front of a laptop, chewing on a pencil in frustration.

Shaking Off Your Afternoon Slump

Sep 6, 2021

You had a productive morning at work, checking things off your to-do list left and right. You had an amazing lunch, but coming back to work has triggered an afternoon slump and a drop in …

A silhoutte of a person does a side lunge in front of the sunset

Is Stretching Good for My Mental Health?

Aug 30, 2021

What is mental health? Mental health is basically how we think, act, and feel. It encompasses our thoughts and feelings, and it is a major component of our overall health. Taking care of your mental health is …

A woman arches her back up while doing a cobra pose in a home studio.

Setting Up Your Ultimate Stretching Space.

Aug 23, 2021

While you can stretch anywhere, if you are beginning to take your stretching more seriously, follow these tips to create the ultimate stretching space. Using Feng Shui to improve your stretching space. According to @dearmodern on Instagram …

Ada is standing in a straddle t pose with her neck tilted to the side.

How to Fix Your Stiff Neck Quickly

Aug 16, 2021

A stiff neck can throw a wrench into your plans, but it doesn’t have to affect your whole day. Follow these tips below to stretch out the stiff muscles in your neck and get you …

A hand with a small green leaf floating over it.

35+ Self-Improvement Ideas That You Can Start Today

Aug 9, 2021

Many of us want to work on our self-improvement, but we struggle to get started, as everything feels very future oriented. Every one of the suggestions on this list is something that you can get …

A person helps another in stretching open their hips while lying down.

How to Get Flexible After Losing Your Flexibility.

Aug 2, 2021

Life can throw curve balls at you, despite your best intentions. Sometimes, you work hard on achieving your flexibility or improving your fitness levels, only to have a set-back (or life in general) undo your …

Four women sit around tables, talking and smiling.

Tips on Navigating Middle Age

Jul 26, 2021

Navigating middle age, especially as a woman over 40, can be a daunting task. We’re expected to hide our aging skin, but to take pride in ourselves at the same. These conflicting viewpoints can be …

Ada with her arms behind her back and tilting her torso to the side.

9 Stretches: Reduce Upper Back Pain & Increase Flexibility

Jul 19, 2021

While back pain is more commonly found in the lower half of your spine, upper back pain can be just as debilitating. One way to reduce overall back pain is to improve your upper back …

A boy is gardening in the foreground while his grandfather is gardening in the background.

10+ Ways to Increase Physical Activity in Your Daily Life

Jul 12, 2021

For many of us, when we are told that we should increase our levels of physical activity in our daily life, we groan- either inwardly or outwardly. We recognize that we need to move more …

A woman reaches to touch her sore back while sitting with a tea pot.

Relieving Muscle Tension with Stretching

Jul 5, 2021

What is muscle tension? Muscle tension is when a muscle contracts but doesn’t release properly, which can leave parts of the body remaining semi-contracted for periods of time. This can be a sign of stress, as …

A group of children are doing an activity that requires them to jump up and clap their hands.

16 Fun and Simple Stretching Exercises for Kids

Jun 28, 2021

Regardless of age, everyone needs to stretch. To start a healthy stretching habit from a young age, try incorporating these 16 fun and simple stretching exercises for kids into your next family exercise session. When you …

A person is stretching their arms behind their back while facing the ocean and a beautiful sunrise.

How to Stretch Safely and Effectively.

Jun 21, 2021

Learning to stretch safely and effectively is a great goal to have, especially if you are new to exercise in general. Check out these links if you're more interested in learning about stretching for beginners or …

A man finishes his golf swing while tee-ing off.

How to Improve your Golf Game to Become a Better Golfer

Jun 17, 2021

Golf season is upon us, and everyone wants to play better than they did last year. While you may improve with the more you play, WeStretch wants to help you improve your golf game in a safe and efficient …

A woman sits up, stretching her arms above her head while still in bed.

How to Make the Most of Your Morning Routine

Jun 14, 2021

Why do we have morning routines? Most of us use a morning routine to start our day off on the right foot. We might make our bed as soon as we roll out of it, then …

A black and white photo of a man's torso, with his hand on his hip.

How to Stretch for Lower Back Pain

Jun 7, 2021

Lower back pain can affect your daily life in numerous ways. You may cancel plans to rest at home or you may not want to participate in physical activities out of fear of further injury. …

A group of people are doing wide leg stretches while preparing for an event.

What is The Difference Between Active and Static Stretching?

May 31, 2021

As we learn more about fitness and mobility, it’s common to start hearing about the different types of accessible movement, from yoga to tai chi, Pilates, stretching, and more. WeStretch is a great entryway into …

A swimmer is doing the butterfly stroke in an empty pool.

The 5 Ways to Prepare for Your Sport

May 24, 2021

Succeeding in exercise is more than just performing well. It is also about how well you prepare for your sport or activity, as well as improving your health overall. Follow these tips recommended by successful …

A woman is happily cooking with fresh vegetables and bread.

13 Tips For a Healthy Lifestyle

May 17, 2021

These healthy lifestyle tips are a great starting place to help you feel good. They just require a few small changes and a shift in mindset to begin to take good care of yourself! 1. Stretch …

Ada standing in a straddle t pose, with her wrists flexed up.

How to Start Stretching for Beginners

May 10, 2021

WeStretch is the best starting place for stretching for beginners. What is stretching? According to Wikipedia, “Stretching is a form of physical exercise in which a specific muscle or tendon (or muscle group) is deliberately flexed or stretched in order to improve the muscle's felt elasticity and …

A woman and a small child are hiking through sunlit trees.

Outdoor Exercise- the Best Way to Improve Overall Health

May 3, 2021

It’s easy to see the importance of getting outside when we are cooped up inside for days at a time. Taking the opportunity to do some outdoor exercise when you can help to improve your …

Liette sitting while following WeStretch's stretches in a park.

The Ultimate Guide to Stretching & Flexibility

Apr 29, 2021

The WeStretch app uses over 5,500 stretches to move every joint in every direction. Read through this ultimate guide to stretching to see what WeStretch is about and how you can benefit from stretching. Benefits of …

A mom, dad, and child are going for a mountain walk in the rain.

10 Fun Family Activities You Can Do to Exercise Together.

Apr 26, 2021

Whether you’re trying to encourage your family to become more active or to spend more time together, these family activities are a great option for all ages. (Many of these activities are also great exercise …

Reducing Hip Flexor Pain- Causes and Solutions

Apr 22, 2021

Whenever you end up sitting too long, whether it’s from a long flight or a long meeting, or you feel hip flexor pain while standing up, you probably need a good stretch to ease some …

A woman is doing a split leap in front of a pure blue sky.

How To Do The Splits- A Beginner’s Guide

Apr 15, 2021

When you first start stretching, you may not notice the improvement immediately. It can be hard to see progress when it is small, such as being able to rotate your neck one degree further or …

A person is meditating on a rock next to the water at sunrise.

What is Wellness? The Four Pillars of Health.

Apr 8, 2021

What is wellness? According to Pfizer, “Wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes, so that instead of just surviving, you’re thriving.” Body + Mind …

Karen doing a seated pretzel twist stretch.

What’s the Difference between Stretching and Yoga?

Apr 1, 2021

For many people, the words “stretching” and “yoga” seem interchangeable. You do stretches in yoga, so why are they classified as two different things? As similar as they are, there are numerous differences between stretching …

A care attendant helps an elderly woman go for a walk.

10 Types of Exercises for Seniors at Home

Mar 25, 2021

When you’re stuck at home, one of the last things you might think about is exercise. It’s easy to put exercise to the side, when you may not have much room or your favourite tv …

A man on a deck leaning into a diamond sit.

What is Ballistic Stretching and Should I Do It?

Mar 22, 2021

Ballistic stretching involves bouncing in a stretch to extend past your normal range of motion. Using force, athletes can extend muscles and tendons through a larger range of motion. This is one of the most …

Why is WeStretch the Best Stretching App?

Mar 18, 2021

You know that you want to stretch but you may not know where to start. WeStretch is the best stretching app for you, that will custom-build each routine to help you stretch daily without injury! WeStretch …

Ada in her pink tracksuit tilting her torso to the side.

Cardio for People Who Hate Cardio

Mar 15, 2021

People often say that they hate doing cardio. The thought of running or doing stairs makes many people balk and plop back down on the couch. So, how does someone who hates doing cardio workouts …

Women in a workout class, on all fours, lifting one of their legs up behind them.

The 9 Different Types of Stretches in WeStretch

Mar 11, 2021

WeStretch has a stretching routine option for every person with every reason for stretching. With the 9 types of stretches, there is definitely a stretch for every body. Customize The Types Of Stretches That Are Best …

A man is doing a staddle sit while leaning over to stretch one of his legs.

Stretching for Sports- Improving your Game with WeStretch

Mar 8, 2021

As I sat down to write this blog, I got to thinking about our relationship to sports and stretching for sports. When I was younger, I used to be a competitive swimmer. I could never …

An elderly couple, where a man gazes into the camera as a woman rests her forehead on his cheek.

Aging is a Gift- Appreciate and Embrace It.

Mar 4, 2021

The future can be overwhelming. Growing older means many physical changes to our bodies and the world around us that we cannot control. Many of us try to ignore this reality, trying to grasp onto …

A selfie of Kim, smiling into the camera.

Kim- Motivated to Stretch- User Story

Mar 1, 2021

Meet Kim- a small business owner of The Lunch Lady, a meal-planning service in Alberta, and a mother of four. She uses WeStretch to keep her motivated to stretch. I would definitely say I’m feeling better …

Peanut butter chocolate chip no bake energy bites on a plate with raspberries.

Snack Time- No Bake Energy Bites!

Feb 25, 2021

Looking for a quick and easy snack to keep in your fridge? These energy bites are pretty simple and easily customizable! They are a delicious snack for any time of day and a great energy …

An old fashioned typewriter with a piece of paper protruding that says "Goals".

Improve Your Goal Setting- Adding Purpose to Your Life

Feb 22, 2021

Often, there is not a clear understanding of what it means to set goals. According to Wikipedia, “goal setting involves the development of an action plan designed to motivate and guide a person or group …

Several people are partaking in a yoga class on the beach in tree pose.

How Competition Keeps You Accountable- Stretching Challenges

Feb 18, 2021

Last one there is a rotten egg!” How many times have you heard this or some variation of it on the playground? In Canada, at least, it’s common to hear someone joking that they don’t have …

A person looks up with their eyes closed in a serene moment.

The Importance of Breathing Properly- Change Your Life!

Feb 16, 2021

Inhale deeply through your nose, filling your lungs completely. Now slowly and smoothly exhale through your mouth. Notice how that feels throughout your entire body. The respiratory system is one of the neatest functions of the human …

Two young female dancers gracefully pose in flowing dresses.

Try Something New- It’s Good for You!

Feb 11, 2021

Do you often venture into the unknown? Are you willing to try something new or does the thought of something outside of your comfort zone terrify you? If you’ve ever seen a circus show, you might …

A woman in a pink sports bra is stretching her arms behind her head.

A Spine That’s Fine- Facts and Tips for a Healthy Back

Feb 8, 2021

The spinal cord is one of the most important parts of your body. It allows you to stand or sit upright, it supports the weight of your head and neck, and it allows you to …

A woman standing in tree pose at the end of a dock, overlooking mountains.

Finding Focus- How to Make the Most Out of Every Day

Feb 4, 2021

Imagine that it’s a quiet Friday night and you’re at home, ready to watch a movie. The popcorn is popped, the blankets are ready, and you settle in for an easy night of entertainment. Before the …

Maria laughing while in a complicated yoga pose.

Start Stretching with Maria, One of WeStretch’s Top Users!

Feb 1, 2021

Meet Maria: a 20-year-old, world-class Irish dancer who loves keeping active and is passionate about physical wellbeing. Maria loves enouraging people to start stretching. How did you get started with WeStretch? I’m pretty active in general, but …

Hawaiian pork and peanut noodles art created by Sydney WH.

Dinner time- Hawaiian Pork with Peanut Noodles!

Jan 28, 2021

Feeding a household of eight can often be a bit of a challenge, especially with picky eaters and dietary restrictions. After much trial and error, we have discovered a handful of dishes that always go …

A person paints a scenic waterfront, with trees and a gazebo.

10 Free Activities You Can Do To Fight Boredom

Jan 25, 2021

Looking for some free activities to fight boredom? As we’re hitting the year mark of the pandemic, being stir-crazy due to working from home is nothing new. You’ve already searched through all the tv shows on …

Using Music to Make the Most Out of Your Exercise

Jan 21, 2021

Enjoyable music makes motivation easy. If you’re ever struggling to get motivated, try doing exercise to music. Your mindset changes and you’re suddenly ready to start. This is a neat phenomenon but can be hard to …

A woman twists in a yoga pose with her face on the floor.

How Exactly Does Stretching Ease Pain?

Jan 18, 2021

Many people use stretching to ease pain and increase flexibility. Yet, how can pain be lessened by touching our toes? For many of us, pain can be a regular occurrence. Whether it is an acute or …

A woman sitting on a balcony uses her phone in the early morning sun.

Forming Habits- the What, the How, and the Why.

Jan 14, 2021

When you think of forming habits, what do you think of? Is it positive or negative? Your habits might be things like scrolling on your phone late at night or even brushing your teeth when …

A man with arm tattoos stretches in child pose.

Strengthening with Stretching- A WeStretch Specialty Routine

Jan 11, 2021

Whether you’re bored from not being able to go to the gym or you just want to be able to work out at your own pace, WeStretch’s strengthening routines are perfect for you! These routines …

A chiropractor working on a woman's shoulder.

Why You Should Stretch- Even If You See A Chiropractor

Jan 5, 2021

I found out I had scoliosis when I was sixteen, but my spinal curvature had mostly fused into shape at that point. There weren't many treatment options, apart from pain management or surgery (which was …

The Thirty Day Splits Challege- And How I Nailed It!

Dec 24, 2020

How do you demonstrate the benefits of stretching? For many, seeing is believing. I decided to put WeStretch to the test with learning the splits in a 30-day challenge! The challenge was simple. All I had …

Liette having her picture taken on a phone by her granddaughter.

Liette- The 70-Year-Old Stretcher

Dec 21, 2020

WeStretch is truly for everybody and every body. In our search to discover who our “prime” users are, we have uncovered such a variety of people. From our first known user with cerebral palsy, to grandmas …

A mug of coffee that says the word "Begin".

Self-Care- Being Kind to Yourself

Dec 15, 2020

Practice self-care! Be kind to yourself! Put yourself first! What do these phrases really mean? Simple. YOU need to be your own first priority. To quote the Harvard Medical School, “Airline attendants say it well: if the plane …

Boost Your Mood- Get Rid of That Lockdown Frown!

Dec 7, 2020

Lockdown got you down? We're going through stressful times and while we recognize that social distancing and other measures are there to protect us, but the isolation can make us feel, well… isolated. If you are feeling …

Famous Quotes From Athletes That Will Inspire You

Nov 25, 2020

We often look to athletes for advice, since they have demonstrated what it means to achieve greatness. They are often masters of focus, skill, and accomplishment. Here are some famous quotes from athletes to inspire …

A photo taken by Kayla Willsey of the side of a road in the middle of winter, with trees covered in hoar frost.

Getting Help to Overcome the Winter Blues

Nov 24, 2020

Winter can be a beautiful time of year, yet for many of us, it can plant a seed of dread. It means shorter and darker days. Cold weather and heavy shovelling can dampen the brightest …

A pattern of lemons sliced in half with heavy shadows adding definition.

When Life Gives You Lemons- The Value of Routine

Nov 19, 2020

We've all heard the expression: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Great advice, but not always easy to do. When the Covid19 crisis began, few of us could have imagined the profound impact it would have …

Ada standing with her arms outstretched welcomingly.

What is a WeStretch Routine?

Nov 18, 2020

Now the big question is, what exactly do the WeStretch app's stretching routines look like? Here is a quick run-though of what an average routine would look like! For this example, we’re going to do …

Kicking Sugar Addiction- Eating Less Sugar to Be Healthier.

Nov 13, 2020

We’ve all heard that eating sugar is bad for you. There is a reason that your mom wouldn’t buy every candy bar at the grocery store and that dentists scream around Halloween: human bodies aren’t …

An image shared by Chris, taken by a family member of a bridge over calm water at night.

Using WeStretch as Exercise for Cerebral Palsy

Nov 3, 2020

It is a common occurrence to assume that what is familiar to you is familiar to everyone. It’s like growing up surrounded by people of only one colour or not having allergies. You believe that …

The Importance of Staying Hydrated

Nov 2, 2020

Drinking water. It’s not a new concept and you know you have to do it consistently. Yet, why do we struggle with staying hydrated and drinking enough in a day? When we don’t have enough water, …

A black and white image of a woman sleeping cozily in bed.

Serious About Sleep- The Importance of Sleep

Jul 29, 2020

Sleep is a significant part of our lives. We spend about a third of our days asleep, yet, how much do we really know about it, other than the magical eight hours? We’re hoping to …

Five different journals, overlapping, with three pens scattered over the top.

Creative Journaling- The Perfect Creative Outlet

Jul 28, 2020

Everyone needs an outlet of some kind. While stretching is a great reset for your body, creative journaling is a great way to take care of your mind. Discovering creative journaling A few years ago, when I …

The corner of an agenda next to alligator clips, a watch, and a cup of coffee.

How to Form a Stretching Habit

Jun 3, 2020

Welcome to WeStretch! If you're here, then you're probably looking how to form a stretching habit. Now comes the challenge of making it a consistent habit, to make it a part of your daily routine, but …

A woman leaning back with the text "we're bringing healthy back"

How to Use Stretching to Get Rid of Back Pain.

Apr 13, 2020

If you are suffering from back pain, you are not alone. According to Statistics Canada, back pain is among the most common chronic conditions in the Canadian population, with four out of five adults experiencing at …

A white and brown cat stretches outside.

Cat Stretch Fever – Mastering the Benefits of Stretching

Dec 12, 2019

If you have spent any time around cats, you have likely noticed a few things such as their amazing flexibility, their speed and agility, their intense napping schedule and the fact that they are straight …

A black and white image of a dad and a young son walking down the street.

Why Should I Stretch?

Nov 25, 2019

Remember, remember, the fifth of November. Not because I hold a political grudge, but I remember it was around four in the afternoon when the chief asked me to write this blog post, with total …

A circular WeStretch icon of a stick figure doing a side plank.

WeStretch: The Stretching App Press Release

May 13, 2019

Innovative Fitness App, WeStretch, Applies Unique Algorithm to Keep Users Young. May 13, 2019, Press Release – If there is one physical activity with the potential to slow down the effects of aging, it's the simple …

A photograph of a dictionary's definition of diabetes.

Stretching for Diabetes- A Starting Place for a Better Life

Nov 21, 2018

If you’re diabetic, joint pain may seem like a normal part of your life. You’ve noticed that it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to do everyday activities like tying your shoes or getting out of bed. …

Three women are powerwalking beside a waterfront.

9 Stretching Benefits Women Over 40 Should Know

Oct 9, 2018

Women over 40 do weight training and cardio workouts to keep their bones strong and their hearts healthy. There is one pillar of fitness that’s often neglected, though: a regular stretching routine done separately from …

White paper on a wooden background. Contains the words "I can't", but the t has been ripped off.

The 7 Deadly Stretching Excuses Holding You Back

Jul 10, 2018

There are many excuses out there. You know you SHOULD stretch, but it's easy to talk yourself out of it with a few justifiable excuses. You might have the best intentions about starting a stretching routine, yet …

Four silhouttes of people are doing lunges on a beach.

How to Get Strong and Flexible with 5 Stretching Methods

Jul 3, 2018

Did you know that there are many different stretching methods for flexibility that go way beyond what you learned in gym class? Most of us would agree that regular stretching feels great, but it has benefits …