At Tone Barre we firmly believe that Barre is for EVERY BODY and EVERYONE! Exactly as you are in this moment – no need to lose some weight or start to get in shape or buy a new outfit first to fit in. We welcome ALL body types, shapes, sizes, and ability levels through our doors!
Did you know that stretching isn’t just important for dancers and gymnasts? That’s right…. it’s important for everyone!
We know some of you LOVE the stretching portion of class (yah I made I through thighs…woot woot!) and we know some of you would *almost* rather do another thigh exercise instead of stretch. But regardless if you like or dislike the stretching portion of class we want to explain why stretching should be in the list of self-love actions alongside eating right, exercising, loving yourself, and some positive self-affirmation.
Stretching is important because it keeps muscles flexible, strong, and healthy says Harvard Health.
Ummm isn’t that the point of what I’m doing at Tone Barre?!?!
Ha..yes it is…you are strengthening your muscles at Tone Barre, BUT, before you can even strengthen your muscles your muscles must be flexible enough for your joints to move through a normal range of motion. When you don’t stretch (or sit on your seat for 8+ hours a day), your muscles get tight (think of them as shriveling up a little bit). Then you suddenly come to Tone Barre and call on your muscles to do all sorts of things. Unfortunately, if your muscles are all tight, they are weaker and unable to extend all the way. This puts you in jeopardy of not only not getting the most of your workout, but of also injuring yourself.
The same thing happens when you are working out at Tone Barre – during weight training your muscle length shortens which is what contributes to you feeling tight and sore. Sorry you can’t out the soreness per se with stretching according to the NCBI but it can definitely help because stretching also increases blood flow to your muscles. And with increased blood flow comes fresh nourishment to your muscles and the removal of waste from your muscles.
So the next time you have to scramble out of class a tad early, still try to sneak in your final stretch before you dash out the door!
Want to learn a little more? Here is a great article from shape.com with 6 other reasons you should stretch (and #2 is super important if you have an office job where you sit for long periods of time).
xoxo
Britt
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