Stretch Yourself
We all keep hearing that we should stretch, so you may be asking the next question, “what’s more important the total time you stretch or the duration of a single stretch?” Now there is new research to help you get the most out of your stretching! Researchers at the Medical College of Ohio had 23 healthy individuals perform a hamstring stretch twice a day for six weeks. One leg was stretched six times for 10 seconds with a five second rest in between, while the other leg was stretched twice for 30 seconds at a time. The total stretch time for each group was two minutes. Afterward, hip flexion measurements indicated that the range of motion in both hips was equally improved.
The conclusion, regardless of how long each individual stretches, the key to improvement is the total stretch time. So if you are more comfortable doing shorter duration stretches of 10 seconds or so, just be mindful that you have to do more of them.
It’s also a good idea to stretch your mind. Flex your mental muscles. Image-making is a powerful tool to sustain your commitment to lifelong balance and wellness. First become fully aware of this powerful truth. Everything you create and do is preceded by an image. As a “thinker”, you are an image-maker. Images are the mental pictures your thoughts create. Every great “thing” you’ve had, can and will experience in your life began first as an image. Thoughts are things and the results you are presently experiencing in your life are the physical manifestation of the “images” in your subconscious mind – which are directing your life. In essence, the thoughts you think are building blocks for what you build in your life. You are a mental architect for your present and future reality. Why not build something amazing with your thoughts?
Build the image of radiant health, balance, fulfillment and total well-being on the screen of your mind. See yourself with the body, the energy, the health and lifestyle of your dreams. Hold the picture of you with that infinite potential for radiance and vitality. Now take this image and describe it in the present tense on a 3″ x 5″ index card. An example could be “I am succeeding at and enjoying my present life at my ideal weight (specify), my ideal health (describe). Feel free to add other images like — relationships, income, and environment. The goal is to carry this card everywhere and read it aloud no less than three times daily. Read your “life goals card” with enthusiasm and passion. Truly embody what you are reading. See yourself in the image – be that person. Remember to realize your dreams. They must be expressed not suppressed!
January 18, 2010
by Optimum WellnessComments
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