by Pat Lowe
Many people have discovered that performing a stretching routine a few times each week is a great way to improve their fitness and flexibility. Stretching is an ideal low impact exercise which you can do at any pace that you find comfortable. This makes it a great low impact exercise routine for the elderly, those with reduced mobility, and even children.
Finding a stretching routine that meets your needs can be a challenge, but if you do your research, there's a wealth of information out there that will help you discover what works best for you. For example, The Stretching Institute offers a free six part e-course that will take your stretching routine to a new level.
There are other sources of information where you can learn about different stretching routines. Check out your local library for books and DVDs. If you belong to a fitness club, they're sure to have a professional on staff who can help you get started. And of course there's always the internet. Do a search for stretching routines and you'll come up with well over 300,000 results.
The program you choose will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and your available funds. You might find that high quality information on stretching routines can cost more than any free advice out there. Just remember that you get what you pay for.
One of the more costly means of creating a great stretching routine is to hire a personal trainer. These professionals can help you come up with a customized stretching routine that will suit you perfectly. They'll teach you how to do each move correctly so that your workout is as effective as possible.
The services of a personal trainer are often available at fitness clubs and gyms. A number of these exercise facilities also offer stretching classes to teach proper form and the various movements that you can integrate into your personal stretching routine.
If you would rather do your stretching routine in the comfort of your own home, you might want to take a look at the numerous fitness DVDs that offer stretching instruction. They're easy to find wherever DVDs are sold, or you can buy them on the internet. The best online selection can be found at sites that focus on exercise and health.
If you experience difficulty with any of the movements, you can always modify the techniques so that they're more comfortable to perform. Your best bet is to find a DVD that offers alternative stretches for those with less flexibly.