Be Flexible!

Ever put tupperware in a microwave? Like plastic tupperware at room temperature, although bendable..it's still hard and can still break pretty easily. Heat up plastic and it becomes soft, flimsy and easy to manipulate but for only a certain period of time of course until it turns hard again...

How bout frozen meat out of the ref? Thaw it out and you can do whatever you want with it!

That's why I say: Warm up and stretch!!!

I love warm ups and stretching pre and post workouts...I still can't stress the importance of stretching to one's fitness regimen. Just as important it is to establish good nutritional habits, consistency with exercise - as with stretching - it's all relative and you have to do them. Keep the body fresh and flexible as possible to keep on putting the hurt on some great gym workouts, sport or what have you. In the long run..it helps and avoids unnecessary injuries that could have been avoided with proper warm up and stretching. Much as to how important it is to rest, exercise and eat right - stretching helps muscle recovery and flexibility...SO DO THEM!

Speaking of flexibility, I haven't done much of an actual Yoga session as of late (as my workouts have been kicking my ass) - but still maintaining some Yoga specific principles in my stretching routines (as well as static stretching) post workouts and on off days. Foam rolling is also another excellent approach to muscle recovery as well. Do that almost everyday...

Sorry for the rambling...

Anyway, now at 35 years of age...we gotta take of ourselves out there. We aren't the hotly equipped Lambourghini's like we were in our late teens or early 20's but we sure can can be a nice looking fuel efficient Honda or Toyota running on the least amount of gas and running like new even after years on the road...

We may not be as young as we once were back then, but we certainly can avoid alot of injuries that do come with age! Take that to the bank...

Simply look at Shaq and his dramatic introduction at the 2009 NBA All Star Game...anyone see this one? He's been an All Star for 15 years, about the same age as me and boy he's still going strong. Although a pretty big dude at 7 plus feet...it's obvious he takes really good care of his body frame for the most part, or he still wouldn't be the presence he was and still is on the hardcourt. And he still came out co-mvp of this game - in his 30's!!!! And um...if we're wondering about flexibility in our mid-30's, 40's or 50's...think we can't still be flexible at our age? Ha. I beg to differ...Check out this video and check his moves out if you're still in doubt. It's kind of funny but tells you alot about flexibility considering his height, age and sport he plays. Phew! =)