Stretching & Yoga

What Happens When You Stretch... Your muscles are comprised of many different fibers that contract upon stimulus. Within those fibers, the basic unit of contraction is called the sarcomeres. While the muscle contracts, the sarcomeres cause an overlap which shortens the muscle. As the muscles stretch, the sarcomeres assist the elongation, to the point where the connective tissue then gets a chance to elongate as well. 

Along with the same force of the tension, the collagen in the connective tissues become more aligned with every bit of force. When you are lifting, your total strength is dependent on the number of muscle fibers that you can recruit at one time. It is the same idea with stretching, the more fibers that you can recruit, the more elongated your muscles can become over time. The first lesson in any Yogic theory is how to relax. This doesnt mean you flop on the sofa and become a couch potato; instead it is defined as a conscious transfer of energy from one department of nature to another. Even if you do this for 5 minutes at a time over a beverage, youre on your way to relaxing. It will increase your efficiencytry it and see! 

Stretching involved in yoga can be very simple: lie on the floor without pillows. Remove your shoes and wear whatever is loose fitting and comfortable to you. Stretch your arms over your head while stretching your legs and feet. Close your eyes and let your head roll to one side. Now release each part of your body and consciously permit each limb, each section of your body, to meld in to the floor. 

Permit yourself to feel as if you are sinking and think of a peaceful scene. This will likely feel very odd to you the first time you do it, but the relaxation that you bring each part of your body will be refreshing! Now well work on stretching! Lie on the floor as you did for your full-body relaxation, only this time, interweave your fingers above your head. If you turn your palms upward, youll feel a bigger stretch along your ribs and spine. Stretch your arms as far above your head as possible, pointing your toes and pushing them towards the floor so you can feel every muscle between your head and feet. 

Once you have stretched every part of your body, release! Now go back in to your full-body relaxation mode, remembering to start at the head and relax your way down to your toes. Now work on the complete breath that yoga teaches. Lying flat on the floor without pillows, place your hands gently on your diaphragm. Slowly exhale as much as you can. Very slowly begin to inhale through the mouth, evenly and without sudden stops. You will feel your diaphragm expand at this pointkeep going. Now exhale through your mouth, using a slight force, expelling as much air as possible. 

You have just completed your complete breath in yogic teaching! If you build up the number of complete breaths per day, youll notice less tension, better rest, and a more relaxed you. Release the stress of your day and become who you were designed to be!