The wellness professionals at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health in Oahu, Hawaii, promote health and recovery in everything they do. Not only do they provide medical and surgical care, but these orthopedic doctors care deeply about your recovery. Did you know that when it comes to your individual fitness routine, stretching doesn't only reduce injury, but it also enhances performance and flexibility? When done correctly, stretching will help your body feel rejuvenated and healthy. Below, the team at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health lists five quick tips that are guaranteed to improve your stretching routine. 

• Stretch In A Warm Room: Stretching in a warm (but comfortable) room will help your muscles respond to each stretch. In a warm room, your body will have less trouble opening. To begin, set your thermostat to 78 degrees and see how you feel. Everyone's body is different, so you may not feel your most flexible at 78 degrees. If this is the case, try 80 degrees. Keep moving the temperature up until you've found the ideal match for your body.

  

• Shift Your Weight Mindfully: When touching your toes, for example, notice what it feels like to shift your weight to the balls of your feet. In each stretch, these subtle movements change the way your body feels. However, it's important to never bounce in a stretch, as this can pull your muscles. Instead, focus on the way your body moves into each stretch. This awareness is also known as mindfulness. 
• If It Hurts, Back Out: Stretching properly will not only feel good, but it will feel rejuvenating. If you feel unbearable pain while stretching, release the stretch and tend to the pain. Stretching is a nurturing activity, and it's important to treat your body well. Pain is a sign that something is wrong, and it's up to you to honor your body's warnings. 
• Bend Your Knees: When motioning to touch your toes, bending your knees creates a nice opening in the lower back. If you have a tight lower back, this technique will help you open. However, this technique can also help people ease into a significant hamstring opener—touching your toes with straight legs. If you have problems touching your toes, begin by bending over, and then place a slight bend in your knees. It doesn't matter if your hands touch your toes—leave them wherever they naturally fall. Then, slowly straighten your legs and feel a powerful hamstring stretch. With practice, you may be able to touch your toes sooner than you think! 
• Build A Routine: When you stretch at least three times a week for 20 minutes, you will notice a tremendous difference in your body. Marking these days on your calendar will help you never miss a stretching session. If you enjoy working out with a buddy, ask your workout buddy to also be your stretching buddy! When you have a friend on your side, it's so much easier to get into a healthy routine. 

The experts at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health are passionate about wellness coaching, and they want you to know that you are capable of caring for your body. Stretching feels good, prevents injury, and is one of the key ingredients of performance optimization. To learn more about how to incorporate stretching into your wellness routine, visit IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health in Oahu online, on Facebook, or call (808) 521-IMUA today.