I know we’ve started a new month but I always say finish what you've started. So you’ll notice the last of the JBird Workout Video Series: Energy is posted below because you never want to leave out the stretch.
It’s seriously the best part of the workout!
Yet time & time again I see people sneaking out of the room before the final stretch during a group fitness class.
I’ve asked “Hey, saw you left class early last week, can I ask why?” and the reply is usually...
“I didn’t have the time to stay for the stretch”.
Trust me when I say, I'm not trying to be combative or make you feel bad. But I want to understand so I can make the experience better for you and anyone else feeling the same way.
Time is a tough one to argue. So, as an instructor, I've gotten crafty in fusing the stretching exercises into the class sporadically. But I have also been lucky enough to learn different techniques throughout the years to make it feel like the active part of your workout.
My most memorable experience was when I was a Master Trainer for Reebok. We were working with Cirque Du Soliel and partnered to develop & create a fitness program called Fit to Flex. This is when I learned the principles of Dynamic Stretching.
Now listen, if you're already shutting your ears because you think you're inflexible, how do you think I felt training along side contortionists & acrobats from Cirque?
Ok then...let's move on.
The Principles of Dynamic Stretching in 3 Easy Steps:
Pick a stretch exercise (ex: seated hamstring, standing quadricep, reclined hip opener “figure 4”, seated or reclined twist, bound chest opener, etc) Know the start & the finish positions.
Move into the stretch, for the first rep, observing where your body naturally ends & hold for 2 seconds. Return back to the start position.
Repeat 5-10 times, deepening the stretch just enough to feel a change and again only holding for 2 seconds each time.
Mentally closing your workout session with a stretch is an awesome way to transition from exercise mode to daily routine but the good news is it can also be super beneficial all on its own and doesn’t need to take a whole lotta time out of your schedule.
Either way, making your stretching exercise an active part of your workout makes it more FUN & when you feel the changes happen in the moment, it makes the experience positive, rewarding & EXCITING!
Oh, and did you notice I said seconds?
It doesn’t have to take time away from anything else in your day.
Check out the demo video below to see the principle in action or better yet, join me in doing the Energy: Dynamic Stretch & Core Workout (below) in the "What"s Happening" section.
Start moving more freely in your body with FUN, time friendly flexibility training which will enhance your workouts & keep your spirits high!
For the ❤️ of Movement,
Janine
P.S. Always know, if you have ANY questions feel free to email me atjanine@jbirdfitness.com or leave a post on the Facebook Community page HERE . I am forever happy to chat more with you and dive even deeper to keep us all moving together. 😁
What's Happening with JBird Fitness:
Featured Workout of the Week:
Energy: Dynamic Stretch & Core
Get ready to feel strong, centered and re-energized during & after this quick workout. No equipment is needed, so click on the links below and get moving!
Members: click HERE to go directly to the video library.
Not a member yet? Click HERE for more information on joining JBirdFitness.com
Special Announcement:
Only 2 weeks left to come play with me at Dragonfly Yoga Studio.
Monday June 3rd & 10th
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Barre Yoga Fusion
156 Green Street Doylestown, PA
Class Schedules This Week:
YMCA of Bucks County - Doylestown
Mondays 9:30am Barre Fusion
10:30am Stretch
Wednesdays 11:00am Barre Fusion
Saturdays 8:45am Barre Fusion
9:45am Barre Abs
Dragonfly Yoga Studio
Mondays 1:00pm Barre Yoga