Streeeeetch!

While out at a dance last night, I was dancing with a guy that I have got to know really well. He is a 2nd degree black belt in the art of Tae kwon Do. While in the waltz position, he said that he could feel that my muscles in my mid section, my low back in particular, were very tight and tense. He explained to me how it is very important for people like us who train a lot, to constantly stretch. He recommended taking hot baths once in a while too. I hate taking baths. I get in there all prepared for a bit of relaxation, but get bored within minutes. So I end up getting out. I can't read in the tub because my glasses get fogged up, or my book gets wet. He does make a very good point though, and of course I see the importance of it. I have had back surgery in the past, so keeping my back in good condition, is something I am constantly aware of.

I know how important it is to stretch as well, but I am usually so rushed that I skip that part of my training. I was grateful for that simple reminder from Stephen. He also reminded me that at our age it is especially important to keep limber. Getting up in age as Stephen and I are, tends to cause a lot of tightness in joints and muscles when they are not well taken care of. I definitely do not want that to be an issue as I age. I enjoy my level of activity, and would not be happy to have to give it up because of stiffness, due to a simple lack of stretching.

When I first started working out, I would always finish my workout with some power yoga. I used it as part of my strength training, but also because it is a means of stretching. I quit doing my yoga when my shoulder problem came about. Part of the yoga routine involves the push up position, and that has been very difficult for me. Now that I feel an increase in the healing of my shoulder and pec muscle, I have decided to try getting back to yoga as the end of my workout routine. It will be beneficial to me in a number of ways ; keeps my muscles stretched, builds great looking muscle, in my back, butt and abs in particular, it is a great way to slowly get my injuries back into action, and if I focus correctly on my breath while doing my yoga, it can be a form of meditation and relaxation.

I have added meditation as part of my training requirements, but as much as it is the one thing that should be easy to do, for me it is the hardest, and it is the one area of my requirements that I am failing at right now. My kids tell me constantly that I am ADHD. Maybe there is some small truth in that, but I don't really think so. I do recognise though, that being still and relaxing is a difficult thing for me. That is why meditation is a struggle, which in turn is why I made it a part of my requirements. I knew going into it, that it would be a challenge for me, and I would have to work hard to succeed in that area. I have a lot of catching up to do.