The Japanese researchers found that arterial stiffness among adults over 40 was associated with trunk flexibility (or lack thereof) but was independent of muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness (measured by performance on a stationary bike). The researchers also cited another recent study that found that middle age and older adults who began a regular program of stretching exercises significantly improved the flexibility of their carotid artery, a major artery found in the neck.
Hopefully these new findings will encourage those of you who routinely skip stretching to start. I already know of one die-hard ultramarathoner who, after 25 years of not stretching, has suddenly become a convert. (Remember to hold the stretch – don’t bounce, Roger!). Now for those of you who would prefer to skip the cardio in favor of the stretching, sorry to disappoint you, but we need both (as well as strength and agility training) for optimal fitness.
For those of you who run or cycle for hours but never bother to stretch for 5 minutes, this one’s especially for you…
You knew stretching and yoga was good for your flexibility, but might it also help your heart function? No, yoga isnotaerobic no matter how much the Power Yoga fans would like to believe it to be, but a new study from Japan suggests that trunk or flexibility is correlated with flexibility of the arteries. Moreover, improving flexibility of the body may improve heart function as a result.
The Japanese researchers found that arterial stiffness among adults over 40 was associated with trunk flexibility (or lack thereof) but was independent of muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness (measured by performance on a stationary bike). The researchers also cited another recent study that found that middle age and older adults who began a regular program of stretching exercises significantly improved the flexibility of their carotid artery, a major artery found in the neck.
Hopefully these new findings will encourage those of you who routinely skip stretching to start. I already know of one die-hard ultramarathoner who, after 25 years of not stretching, has suddenly become a convert. (Remember to hold the stretch – don’t bounce, Roger!). Now for those of you who would prefer to skip the cardio in favor of the stretching, sorry to disappoint you, but we need both (as well as strength and agility training) for optimal fitness.
Be Well,
Carolyn