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 achieve comfortable muscle tone. The result is a feeling of increased muscle control, flexibility, and range of motion.”

Basically, stretching is lengthening your muscles to increase your mobility and overall well-being. At WeStretch, we have also noticed that stretching is mentally and physically restorative, and regular stretching improves balance and basic muscle tone in people of all ages.

A few things to note when starting is that WeStretch is a different approach to stretching.

1.      Your routines will not have the same stretch done on both sides. Karen, our founder, didn’t want to be bored with her stretching routines.

After all, when you shoulder check while driving, you don’t immediately look over your other shoulder to “balance out,” right? This is physiotherapist approved, especially since your opposite joint will be stretched out in your next stretching session.

2.      Often, our stretches are only done for short hold times, especially when first starting out. This prevents injury from holding a stretch too long and still activates that series of tight muscles. In many of our routines, you’ll repeat the same stretch a few times, which is how you increase your range of motion.

3.      When you first start stretching, it will feel too easy. WeStretch intentionally starts you off with easy stretches to reduce the risk of injuries, especially if you’re not used to serious stretching. That being said, even the “easy” stretches are beneficial and will help to increase your flexibility and improve your balance.

Examples of easy stretches for beginners

The beauty of these stretches is that most of them can be done while seated or with support if needed. Hold each of these stretches for the count of three, switch sides, and repeat five times. Follow along while you’re reading this article for a great physical reset. (As always, if you feel any pain, stop immediately and see a medical professional.)

• Tilt your ear towards your shoulder.
• Look down at your belly, then look up above you.
• Bring your arms out to the side to form a ‘t’ shape, then bring them above your head.
• Pull your arm across your chest, using your other arm to support and increase the stretch.
• Stand with your feet hip-width apart and bring your hips side to side.
• Circle your wrists.
• Circle your ankles.
• Bend over and reach to touch your toes, only going as far as you can safely.

Looking for more? The WeStretch app has over 5,000 different stretches to get every joint moving in every direction safely!

The benefits of stretching

• Increased flexibility and range of motion
• Improved circulation
• Better balance
• Reduced pain
• Prevents injuries
• Increased functional strength
• Helps you to age gracefully
• Improved athletic performance

How to get stretching

Wear clothing that you can easily move in.

You can wear stretchy jeans, a sweatsuit, yoga clothes, or even pajamas if you like. You want to be able to move freely, without the fabric hindering your movements. Take into account, too, that the longer you stretch, the warmer your body will be, so wear clothes that you won’t overheat in.

Find enough room that you can move freely

While yoga mats are usually the perfect size for stretching, you don’t need one to be successful. Find a location where you can spread out completely, either standing or lying down. You can stretch outside in the grass or on your carpet as you watch a movie. Find a place that you enjoy stretching in to make the most of WeStretch.

Make a plan

Stretching works best when it is done consistently, so create a plan as you start out.

What are your stretching goals? Can you challenge anyone to hold you accountable? When can you fit stretching into your schedule? You don’t have to spend hours on planning, but taking a moment to think about what you really want can help you to achieve your smart goals.

Additional information about stretching for beginners

Who should stretch?

The simple answer is everyone should stretch.

When you’re young, it helps you to prevent injuries from playing and it builds a healthy foundation as you age. As you join the workforce, it maintains mobility and reduces workplace-related pain. Seniors need to stretch to prevent falling and to help them remain independent.

WeStretch is beneficial to everyone, from world-class Irish dancers to sedentary couch potatoes to office workers with cerebral palsy. Everyone can use a bit more stretching in their lives. When you’re new to exercise, WeStretch is the best place to start stretching for beginners.

Different types of stretching

WeStretch focuses on a combination of static and dynamic stretching to provide the most benefit to your body. If you would like to learn more than a brief summary and about additional stretching styles, check out our post here.

Static stretching

Static stretching is simply where you hold a stretch. You aren’t swinging, bouncing, or doing any movement, but rather continuously applying pressure to your elongated muscle. An example would be touching your toes.

Dynamic stretching

Dynamic stretching is stretching with flowing movements. This works your joint through the full range of motion, without injury. An example would be circling your arms forward or backward.

Ballistic stretching

Ballistic stretching is a type of movement to be done with extreme caution. This is where you are bouncing in a stretch. It is dangerous because it allows you to bypass your body’s natural safeguards against injury that normally activate with dynamic and static stretching. If you would like to learn more about ballistic stretching, check out our article about it here.

Learn what a WeStretch routine looks like

If you are a reader, check out our post explaining what our fundamental stretching routine looks like. Want a more hands-on option? Sign up for a free stretching routine a day with our new web app or download the WeStretch app on the Apple Store or Google Play! Anyway, WeStretch is the best guide to stretching for beginners!

Any links included are for reference, additional information, or entertainment value only, without monetary compensation. Contact us on social media or at [email protected]. Photos courtesy of Unsplash.

This article is not intended to act as or replace medical advice. Please talk to your healthcare practitioner if you have any concerns.

Written by Kayla Willsey