I did a stretching class this morning at the New Tampa YMCA. It was relaxing, but really boring. I've written this before, but I have to say again that I really hate to stretch.
The class was great, though. We started with about 10 minutes of neck stretches. I have stretched my neck before, but never so much. I have always known that the muscles in the low back are affected by other areas of the body, but I guess I never really realized how much stretching my neck would impact my aching lower back. We did several different neck stretches stretching every angle and getting into the shoulders too.
After neck stretches the instructor took us through upper back and chest stretches. This was hard for me because of my hyperflexibility. I did not "feel" any of the stretches we did for these areas.
Next were some cat cow stretches for back which, for me, help loosen up my sore back. Finally, we got into some hamstring stretches, and this was the reason I wanted to go to the class. I am super flexible all over except for my low back and my hamstrings. The stretches we did were basic stretches, but I really enjoyed having somebody talk me through them and hold me accountable for doing them. I'm concerned that I cannot straighten my leg all the way. My hamstring will not allow for my knee to lock out. I get told by grandmasters all the time that my square stance is bad because I bend my knee, but I can't help it. My hamstrings are just that tight!
I had to leave class early to go pick up my 5 year old from pre-school. I hope to make it to this class again.
If you can ever go to stretch class at the New Tampa YMCA, I highly recommend it. The instructor is sweet and the class is focused on stretching unlike yoga.
Now I just have to find a way to make myself stretch everyday on my own...it's sooooo boring!
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