CHANGING Room CHAT. Come on In... We are ... - Strength & Flex

Strength & Flex

8,004 members1,823 posts

CHANGING Room CHAT. Come on In... We are in for a long STRETCH !

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator
19 Replies

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

Written by
Oldfloss profile image
Oldfloss
Administrator
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
19 Replies
Annieapple profile image
Annieapple

🍏 Pandiculation a stretch of the imagination & I can identify with those awesome cat stretches… that releasing of tension… just wonderful. I love the gentle art of stretching & losing all that tension … such kind to yourself behaviour.. mmm 🤔 think I will be here on the mat a while longer! Do wake me up   Oldfloss

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator in reply toAnnieapple

You stay here as long as you like... and longer... just sitting and relaxing and chatting can be very therapeutic!

Stretching must be one of the finest things we can do...relaxation and release... then recharge... perfect! x

AlMorr profile image
AlMorr

I do a lot of stretching Floss, so does my new white cat Loki, I do stretches before I run, Loki does stretches before he jumps up into my lap. Stretches are very important to us runners, certainly I'll not forget to put my clock back one hour before I go to bed tonight, I have 2 clocks to adjust and 2 clocks which automatically by radio adjust themselves, the clock that connects my central heating is automatic as well, lol, I have TWO watches, one permanently on BST and the other one is permanently on GMT, I don't wear a watch in the house so when I came back from parkrun this morning I put the BST watch in a safe place, tomorrow I'll take the GMT watch from that safe place and wear it until BST returns at the end of March next year.

Annieapple profile image
Annieapple in reply toAlMorr

🍏🤣 ⌚️ ⌚️ love this story AlMorr

AlMorr profile image
AlMorr in reply toAnnieapple

Glad you like it Annie, it's bad enough having to change two clocks twice a year, with having two watches I just wear the one with the correct time. 😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator in reply toAlMorr

Thus sounds like a good plan watch wise!!! Mr OF does all the clocks and watches...before we head to bed!

Well done on those stretches too... your cat has the right idea.. and will make sure that you keep them up. They clearly work for you! x

Cassie_7 profile image
Cassie_7

Oh yes, you cannot beat a good stretch Floss! With you on that one. Mornings I usually do out of habit. Warming up before activity -a great reminder there in your post! I hope all goes well with Mr OF, bless you it sounds like a very difficult time x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator in reply toCassie_7

Hello and yes... we do it, often without thinking! It is a great feeling ... and it can really get us started!

Thank you so much for those kind words too...they mean a lot right now!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun

I'm nearly asleep in the corner again Floss, but I do stretch, it was the one thing I could do while in hospital when I couldn't do much else

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator in reply toSueAppleRun

Hello... Now that sounds just right... doing what we are able... !

After your big journey and exciting meetings... you need a real rest ! Time to stretch tomorrow :) Well done you !

CBDB profile image
CBDBAdministratorGraduate Gold

I don’t do as much cat-like stretching as I should, but do have my stretch routines post-run and post row. But other than that, I probably don’t stretch enough. I might just have to call up that image from this post and stretch like a cat. Maybe less like a cow, though. Hm. 🤔Thank you!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator in reply toCBDB

The Cow pose is another favorite of mine... good for different muscles! According to Adriene....it stretches the spine, shoulders, neck, and hips, and... can be used as a warm-up or a deep stretch! Well done you!!!

skysue16 profile image
skysue16

Great word OF, never heard of that! I admit that I am not very good at doing a daily stretch routine but post run I always do some basic ones. I am enjoying the stretches at my Pilates class so perhaps I just need to choose a few of those to do each day. 🤔

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator in reply toskysue16

Isn't it a great word!!! I love it! You have found some stretches that are working for you, so if you're enjoying those, it seems like a good plan to pop some in each day.

For me, if I enjoy and can fit them into a regular routine, it all feels easier!

Thank you so much for popping in and sharing !

skysue16 profile image
skysue16 in reply toOldfloss

😊👍 🙆‍♀️ 🧘‍♂️🦵💪🧎🏻‍♀️

JulieByf profile image
JulieByf

After reading your post I've realised how little I stretch. Obviously after a run and the occasional 'I need a stretch' moment at work after sitting down too long. I often feel like I want to go for a swim at very random times, but I suspect that is my body telling me it wants to stretch out and move. I am vowing to stretch every morning, starting with a pre get out of bed stretch. It always makes you feel better.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator in reply toJulieByf

Hello and welcome and well done you!

Yes, just a simple routine of simple stretches can make such a difference to us... That first one of the day... could be a game changer and the very popular salutation to the sun is excellent too.

do.yogawithadriene.com/blog...

I used to love doing this on the decking of my caravan... overlooking the sea... perfect ! Maybe I will image that as I stand in front of a very grey sky here in the Staffs Moorlands, this morning! :)

Our body really is our best guide and coach,. we all should listen to them more often :) Let us know how you go on please :)

Morning wake up
JulieByf profile image
JulieByf in reply toOldfloss

I am stretching before I get out of bed only at the moment. I used to do yoga quite a few years ago so I am familiar with the sun salutation. I get up so early for work that getting up even earlier is putting me off a bit. I will start with weekends and hopefully progress to weekday mornings too.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator in reply toJulieByf

Just super... well done to you! x I am old and retired so more time.. although I am up at 6 :)

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Changing Room Chat...Week 2...Come on in...

....That is the question. ….whether, ' tis sensible in the body to suffer The, maybe and...
Oldfloss profile image
Administrator

Changing Room Chat... November... Week 1... Come on IN !

I had better HOP to it then!!!! Welcome to NOVEMBER ! Hello everyone and welcome to the Changing...
Oldfloss profile image
Administrator

CHANGING ROOM CHAT... WEEK 4... Come on in and meet Methusala !

The photo is of Methusala. A Bristlecone pine...4,000 to 5,000 years old. Older than me then! Good...
Oldfloss profile image
Administrator

CHANGING-Room CHAT... Come on in and get the gossip!

Hello Here I am... a tad late this week ! Life and a whole load of stuff held me up... but I am...
Oldfloss profile image
Administrator

CHANGING ROOM CHAT.. MARCH WEEK ONE.

Hello and ...WHITE rabbits... soon to change into their Spring coats! Although sitting here,...
Oldfloss profile image
Administrator