Stretching should feel good. Lemme say that again.
STRETCHING SHOULD FEEL GOOD.
None of that “no pain, no gain” bullshit. I’m serious, folks. When stretching, you want to aim for a pleasant tension. Any burning, stinging, ripping, tearing or pain while stretching is a sign that you’ve gone too far. So back it up (waaaaay up) and apply “The First Date Principle”.
The First Date Principle…Or how to take your muscles on a stretch date
1 Go slow. Sloooooooow. Even slower. Take your time and ease into each stretch slowly and gently. Move too quickly and date’s over!
2 Be gentle. If you are aggressive, your muscles are going to metaphorically run away from you and hide. No second date for you!
3 Be a good listener. Listen to the signs your body is giving you, whether it’s telling you to slow down, back off, or proceed with caution. How well you listen to your muscles is going to determine how well this stretch date goes and whether or not you’re getting that metaphorical 2nd date. You want that 2nd date. You NEEEEED that 2nd date.
What if it’s awkward and uncomfortable?
By rule, all 1st dates are awkward and uncomfortable. If it’s been a while since you’ve taken your muscles on a stretch date, you may feel some new sensations. Some positions may be tight, uncomfortable, feel a little awkward, or have an “increased awareness” around them. You know the difference between these things and pain. It is your job to listen and pay attention and make sure these sensations never dip into the pain pool. Remember, pleasant tension.
Cheers to you having an amazing stretch date!
-Rubecca