Set Your Alarm: Stretch!

“That darned tune has been running in my head,” he said.
“I wish I could get the words straight. Do you know them?”
-Nial Kent
“The Divided Path”

Stretching is the deliberate lengthening of muscles in order to increase muscle flexibility and joint range of motion. Stretching helps to warm the body up prior to activity thus decreasing the risk of injury as well as muscle soreness.

The benefits of stretching are many and have been proven through various studies over time. Stretching benefits people of all ages, and is intended for the young as well as the elderly population.

I came across the top five benefits of stretching according to the MAYO CLINIC and they are being posted here on my BLOG as reminder for my own well-being (and hopefully yours, too).

1. Increased flexibility and joint range of motion:
Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier and less tiring. Flexibility tends to diminish as you get older, but you can regain and maintain it.

2. Improved circulation:
Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Blood flowing to your muscles brings nourishment and gets rid of waste byproducts in the muscle tissue. Improved circulation can help shorten your recovery time if you've had any muscle injuries.

3. Better posture:
Frequent stretching can help keep your muscles from getting tight, allowing you to maintain proper posture. Good posture can minimize discomfort and keep aches and pains at a minimum.

4. Stress relief:
Stretching relaxes tight, tense muscles that often accompany stress.

5. Enhanced coordination:
Maintaining the full range-of-motion through your joints keeps you in better balance. Coordination and balance will help keep you mobile and less prone to injury from falls, especially as you get older.

PLEASE turn on the music and STRETCH today!


Twenty-five years ago today:

September 1, 1984

Saturday morning:

All right! Labor Day Weekend is here! Did I mention that I telephoned Mrs. Cordellos yesterday—again—on my last break. She still had not heard from Chris. I trust and hope he calls on me this morning.

I hope Paul (from England) calls because we’d have fun today with my convertible top down on this sunny day. And I could go for some pineapple juice vodka cocktails, too.

Later that evening:

There was no pineapple juice and vodka.

Chris Cordellos never called, but Paul (from England) did call. And so I drove to the San Francisco YOUTH Hostel to pick him up. Paul is a tame, nice chap. We had to wait until noon for Wayne to return from his night with Eileen. I guess they had a “one-nighter”.

When Wayne arrived we drove to Carmel to Pebble Beach. I chose to lie out and take in some rays as they played ‘catch football’ on the beach.

Then we went to Monterey and they were thrilled by the seals. The weather was brilliant. We returned to Alameda and I introduced them to NATIONS BURGERS on Webster Street.

When I arrived home at about half past ten I noticed I had received a letter from Maria. She is the aspiring dentist I met on the dance floor in Matazlan (during that trip with Howard Edelstein a year or so ago). I am debating on whether to visit Mexico in October. I think I shall do it. That’s funny though…makes me think of that song, “Take A Letter Maria”.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=take+a+letter+to+maria+song&qs=n&docid=1179397063259&mid=DEB820B970AB19039C35DEB820B970AB19039C35&FORM=VIVR#

Paul and Wayne loved my home. They kept calling me ‘Mr. College Man’ or ‘Mr. Modern-Contemporary’. That was hilarious to hear with their British accents. I allowed them to stay the night.