Embrace the Inner Cat!
Good Morning folks.. slip off the gear and sit right down.
Last week in October... I am still meeting myself coming back, but have found a small space to catch up and chat a while! This should have been yesterday, but a while spent trying to sort out yet more medical stuff, put paid to that!
So... that photograph, that phrase! New one on me , and I love words! But what is it all about... well...
I am finding to tricky right now, (because of all the appointments and prep' before Mr OF's op in a few weeks time), to fit everything, exercise wise, in; I am doing basic routines and determined to make a bit more effort in some areas, but am looking too, at what else, I can do that is simple, maintenance free and enjoyable, that will impact my core strength and stamina.
So. Sit back and STRETCH out ! Something that maybe we should all think about
Yes... stretch... and stretching...or pandiculation !
What and why ? Well, to give the word definition.
“Pandiculation is the involuntary stretching of the soft tissues, which occurs in most animal species and is associated with transitions between cyclic biological behaviours, especially the sleep-wake rhythm. (Walusinski, 2006).
So there !
Why ?
Pandiculation and voluntary, routine, specific stretches for particular joints and muscles are crucial to overall mobility and health.
Stretching is one way that helps your body to keep supple, flexible, and mobile.
According to The New Scientist...
“It is the release of tension, the sensation of the muscles softening, that feels so good.
Pandiculation on waking, resets the tension and resting length of the skeletal muscle, by activating the spindles – sensory receptors located within the skeletal muscles. Its purpose is to prime the muscles for movement.”
That sounds so good to me... and I have to say, that stretching, either involuntarily or voluntarily is something I enjoy... A really good stretch, loosening, warming and relaxing weirdly!
Many of us do know already, the benefits of stretching, certainly the runners amongst us.. and how important that is, in the hope of avoiding injury... and the stretching is equally important for other sports too... Cold muscles, mean problems!
nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/h...
Just think of any of the cat population, large and small; those wonderful stretches they do... and their ability to run, leap, climb and land so amazingly! Who would not like to have that lithe beauty in their sport?
What then can we do, to add a little more to our already established, stretching routines... ( yes, you do have them don't you ?)
When I began looking , there are a LOT of links out there... !
There are some very simple ones here, many of which, you will recognise an certainly the Yoga fans amongst us.. one of my favourites is pose of the Cow! The Sun Salutations too... maybe that alone would be a really good start!
You may find the word Somatic, cropping up. and that is a whole other exercise revelation!
So... do YOU stretch.... do you enjoy that early morning wake- up one as much as I do? Not just in the morning either; but after a long time at a desk or sitting. I used to stretch regularly with my class when I taught...in the afternoon after a long sitting session, we would all stand and stretch and yawn and shake out the sleepy muscles... we had great fun! Often accompanied by giggles!
Are you using any stretching at all, as part of your exercise routine.. or not... be honest
Looking forward to seeing who pops in for a breather... and shares with us..
I am off for a stretch before my art work shop today... It will be a long one and I will at least two or three tines, be getting up from my tainting and a walk outside and of course... a stretch !
Oldfloss x
PS
Don't forget the hour goes back here in the UK tonight ! x
