Mom on the Run! (Stretching)

I am going to let you in on one of the biggest changes I have made in my running…s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g. I have found something that really works. It is known by two names: Meridian or Resistance stretching. Yes, this is what Dara Torres does.

This is a tough one to write since it is hard to explain. Resistance stretching is a form of stretching in which the muscle simultaneously contracts and elongates. What the heck does that mean? Basically, instead of stretching the way we did in high school, we do reps (similar to weight training) and provide resistance throughout the stretch. Again, I know I am not doing it justice…go here…Innovative Body Solutions they have some photos of actual stretches you can try. They also sell a DVD, which I don't have, but there is a preview of it on their website.

I do have the book The Genius of Flexibility by Dara's trainer Bob Cooley. I highly recommend this book. I have to warn you, it is very "new age" using words like "energy flow", and "Body…Universe in Microcosm". If you like that…great, me…I am not so into it. What I will tell you is the stretches, photos and stretching routines are great!

I have been doing these stretches daily, and I feel fabulous! There is a very noticeable difference between Resistance stretching, and regular stretching. If you are up for a change…give it a try (or Google it to find a trainer in your town) and take a class. Worst case scenario…you end up looking like this;)

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments, or at the Blissfully Domestic Forums page!

When not writing for BD, Cynthia can be found at her personal blog The Chronicles of a SAHM

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