"There have been times I've focused almost exclusively on resistance training, and I felt extra tight and tense,"
"Then I took a chill, stretchy yoga class, and it truly did feel like magic. I was able to slow down, relax, and breathe, and I felt safe to go into deeper ranges of motion than I had in a while,"
"I encourage people to find the 'sweet spot,' where a stretch feels great, and they can breathe well in it, as opposed to going as deep as possible but gritting your teeth and holding your breath,"
"That's the difference between post-workout stretching and post-workout yoga-the latter addresses the body, but the former takes care of the body and mind."
Weight lifting supports healthy aging, improved mobility, and enhanced mental function, but stretching is equally important for balance. A post-weight-lifting cool down releases muscle tension accumulated during resistance training and improves range of motion. Integrating breath-focused, yoga-inspired movements enhances relaxation and allows safer, deeper stretches. Practicing breaths while finding a comfortable 'sweet spot' prevents breath-holding and excessive strain during stretches. Effective cool down stretches depend on the muscles used during the workout. Common post-strength-training stretches target the neck, shoulders, upper back, glutes, and hips to reduce tightness and promote recovery.
Read at Yoga Journal
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