April 10, 2024
Stretching Can Help You Spring Into Wellness Safely
Bonnie Wilhelm, Wellcoaches Health and Well-being Coach & ACSM Exercise Physiologist, OSU Health Plan

There are three components to a well-rounded exercise routine. Often stretching or flexibility training is neglected. This type of exercise may seem boring, tedious, or not as important. However, as we age our flexibility can decline, unless we have a routine in place to maintain or improve it. Lack of flexibility and mobility can be associated with pain and posture and can affect daily movements or even increase the risk of injury.

Stretching is important as it provides various benefits such as:

There are many different types of stretching techniques that you can choose from. And with any component of an exercise routine, remember to gradually increase. As you are trying to incorporate more stretching into your routine, keep in mind that it does not have to be a long routine. Stretching major muscle groups (calves, thighs, hips, lower back, neck and shoulders) will provide benefits. You can perform daily stretches throughout the day, even while completing daily tasks. Or you can engage in stretching to balance your exercise routine two to three days a week.

Explore Stretching Basics and Stretching Exercises to review different types of stretches from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center patient education and resource library.

Join OSU Health Plan Health Coaches Alison and Bonnie on May 1 from noon to 12:30 p.m. for the Physical Activity Program: Stretching and Recovery Session. In this session, you will learn more about stretching and movement exercise to recover from workouts or daily movement. To register, visit Link to Health and search by Class Type “Physical Activity Program”.

In addition, the health coaching and wellness team offer a wide variety of free online educational programs and group health coaching series year-round. Visit Link to Health to explore programs and to register.