After your workout allow 10-15 minutes to stretch your muscles.  Stretching is one of those things we all know we need to do yet many of us skimp on this vital component to health and fitness.

According to the Mayo Clinic “…better flexibility may improve your performance in physical activities or decrease your risk of injuries by helping your joints move through their full range of motion and enabling your muscles to work most effectively. Stretching also increases blood flow to the muscle.”

Click here for a quick stretch routine courtesy of Spark People.   They recommend 15 to 30 seconds but based on research I’ve done, it’s better to hold stretches for longer so aim for 30 seconds minimum.

If a workout is not in the cards today your assignment is to walk around your house for 5 minutes to warm up and then so light stretching.  You can do it while watching tv or helping your kids with homework.  In other words, anywhere and anytime is the right time to stretch.

Now go run!

Keli 🙂