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 (who specializes in room design and how to improve the look, functionality, and feel of various rooms), these are his top recommendations to improve your exercise space.
Turn to face the room instead of facing the wall.
This allows you to see the room around you and to be aware of what is going on. If this is not possible, try to position yourself in front of a mirror, which will also provide you with a sense of the room.
Avoid pointing your feet towards the front door and go further into the room.
Pointing your feet towards the door is unflattering and constantly makes you think of leaving. By being further into the room, you are less likely to be distracted and to stay focused on what is going on in your stretching.
Avoid stretching under beams or dramatically dropped ceilings.
This will make you feel compressed and like you cannot stretch as much. Instead, find an open location with high ceilings to allow you to stretch your full range of motion. If you are in a place with a slanted ceiling, be sure to stand under the tallest part to be successful in your exercise.
Find lower-traffic areas to stretch.
By stretching in hallways, major walkways, or doorways, you will be more likely to be interrupted by a high-traffic energy flow and won’t be able to focus on your movements as much. Even stepping a foot or two to the side will improve your concentration.
Keep your stretching space tidy.
A clean space is easiest on your mind, as it removes distractions and allows you to focus on your current activity. It also helps you to find any tools you may need faster as well.
Look for positive energy around the room.
This could be a motivational quote or even an inspirational decal on the wall. This can offer the little push you need to continue on with your stretching session.
Avoid cracks in mirrors or walls as you stretch.
The split between mirrors is enough to distort your image and make you dizzy while you stretch, while a crack in the wall can disturb your energy. Take a few steps to the side to avoid this.
Dedicate a specific space for stretching.
While you may not be able to commit a whole room to exercise, find a specific space and reserve it solely for exercise. This will help your mind to focus and not get confused as to what activity you are doing, as well as every time you enter that space, it will help you to build your stretching habit by associating one place with the specific activity.
What you will need to make the ultimate stretching space.
Enough room to be able to move freely.
If you can swing your leg around without touching anything, that is a good sign. Ideally, you should be able to raise your arms above your head without coming close to touching the ceiling, as well as be able to lie down with at least a few feet above your head and feet. This will allow you to stretch fully, without fear of hitting anything.
A clean floor.
No one wants to lie down with their head touching a sock or to touch the ground with their hand and get crumbs stuck to it. Be sure to pick up and vacuum your floor regularly to keep your mind focused on stretching and not whatever it is that you just touched.
Something comfortable to move and stand on.
Yoga mats are usually our recommended go-to, as they are designed to provide cushion for your feet and body. They often are quite grippy, though, so while you won’t be slipping while you stretch, you might not be able to slide into your pose as easily as you want.
Carpets are a great option, especially if you already have a carpeted floor. They often provide enough cushion to stand on and are easy to move around. If you have poor balance, though, look into a yoga mat for additional stability.
If you don’t have access to a carpet or a yoga mat, you can stretch on a harder floor, but be cautious, as it is easier to injure yourself without additional support. Be sure to have a cushion, yoga block, or rolled-up towel on hand if you would like to place something underneath your knees or under your head.
A place to be able to easily see your phone.
If you are trying to follow along with Ada while you are standing but your phone is on the floor, you are likely to get frustrated because you are unable to clearly see what she is doing. We recommend getting a phone holder and placing it near eye level so that you can easily follow along with Ada, such as on a table, shelf, or stool.
Have something to grab onto for balance.
Keep a sturdy chair or table edge nearby for balance. If you are feeling unsteady, hold on while you stretch. You are still building functional strength and improving your flexibility, but this way you are also reducing your risk of injury and falling.
Keep water handy.
Whether you prefer to drink out of a fancy water bottle or your favourite mug, always have water handy so that you can stay hydrated throughout your stretching session.
Tips to personalize your space.
Add some plants to the room.
Plants are great ways to improve the liveliness and air quality of a room. They provide you with something nice to look at while adding additional energy to a space.
Display art and inspirational imagery.
Find art that makes you feel happy and inspired. This will help to keep you motivated and provide you with an additional incentive to use the space. If you don’t want to display art, think about having a motivational quote or mantra instead, or even consider painting the area a colour that makes you feel best!
Try to find a location with windows and a lot of natural light.
Natural light is better for your eyes, it is more energizing, and it can improve your mood.
Add music or treat your space for sound.
If you feel inspired by music, create a set-up that allows you to easily listen to music while you stretch, whether that be a fancy sound system or having a space for a mini speaker.
If you are someone who prefers silence when you stretch, consider adding tapestries and other sound-reducing elements to your space.
By incorporating even a handful of these tips, you will notice your stretching space and experience improve immensely. If you have any additional tips you would like to add, please feel free to reach out to us at team@westretch.ca.
If you are ready to get stretching, download the WeStretch app for free from the App Store or Google Play today!
Written by Kayla Willsey