HOW TO MAKE STRETCHING A HABIT
We all know we should stretch more but making it a habit can be challenging.
Here are my 6 easy steps to making stretching a habit.
1. Why?
Working out your 'why' will give you a reason and direction. Decide why making stretching a habit is important to you.
Feeling stuck?
Mental health
A chance to slow down
Clear & calm the mind
Relieve stress & anxiety
Meditation - mentally & physically
Release trapped energy / emotions
To take a moment for myself
Relax
Physical health
Improve flexibility
Pain relief / less pain
Recovery after working out / sport
Release tension & tight muscles
To wind down & get a better sleep
To remind myself that my body is worth spending time with
2. Make it easy!
Make it easy, obvious, attractive and convenient! Did you know that we can create a personalised stretching plan for you, which you can access directly from our app! Book in for an Exercise Physiology Review to get started!
Hot tip: leave a mat rolled out if you can. We want to eliminate as many hurdles as possible. The more obvious & convenient the better!
3. Repetition.
This is where our stretch + Flow reformer comes in handy! Routinely attend one of our stretch classes and create repetition. However learning to stretch at home has its benefits. Its a great skill to have that will benefit you throughout your life! Decide how often you're going to stretch and commit to a time frame to establish your habit - I suggest one month.
NEWBIES listen up - be realistic. If you found yourself declaring 'I'M GOING TO STRETCH EVERY DAY!' but you haven't stretched once in the past 5 years... I suggest committing to ONCE per week to start. Trust me. It comes around quickly AND I want you to succeed. Don't overwhelm yourself.
For example: commit to stretching every Sunday for one month. Once you have achieved that goal, take time to review it and decide whether you'd like to increase the amount or stick with that.
If you're already familiar with stretching, a realistic goal for you might be 3-5 times a week. Again, pick something achievable with your schedule.
If you're an all or nothing kind of person and want to dive in the deep end, commit to one month of stretching daily. To make it realistic set yourself a minimum time eg. at least 10 mins a day. Take it easy and be gentle. It is normal to be a bit sore after stretching if you haven't done it in a while. If you find this too much, alter your goal to a few times a week and continue!
4. When?
Decide when you're going to stretch. If you have no idea when feels best, trial different times. eg. in the morning, before bed, after a workout, on a lunch break.
Personally I prefer to stretch when I'm nice and warm. Either after a workout or towards the end of the day.
5. Accountability.
Did you know you can track your accountability via our app!
Get an accountability buddy - a friend, housemate, partner or family member.
Declare your goal on social media and upload a photo or video to keep yourself accountable.
6. Review.
After your allocated time period is up it's time to review.
How did you go?
How do you feel?
Do you feel your goal was realistic?
Would you like to increase or decrease the frequency?
Does your stretching habit feel automatic?
*Extra tips*
Before you begin, set yourself a reward! This can help you stay motivated 😁✨
eg. If I stretch 3x a week for a month I'll treat myself to a new yoga mat.
Multi task if you're pressed for time. Stretching can be a beautiful time to wind down but if you're struggling to find hours in your day, try stretching whilst watching TV or listening to a podcast.
