Stretching Exercises

As most of you know, I exercise regularly. I run 4 days a week with my dog Patch and I bike ride 1-2 days a week. In the summer I run 3 days a week and I add swimming 1-2 days a week. Sounds pretty good huh? Not really. I am very "tight." I am lousy at stretching and very inconsistent at lifting weights. I spend an average of about 20 seconds stretching before I run. I lift weights 2 days one week, none the next, 3 times the next and so on. I am very motivated to run; I love it, it's my quiet time and even if I don't feel like it sometimes, Patch does, so I go. I can not seem to get myself to stretch out no matter how many times I tell myself I am for sure (!) going to make this a part of my routine. Well, I decided last week that I need help with this. I need someone to be accountable to until it is ingrained in my soul!
I hired Marina James-Galvin (her web site is a link on my site) who is a Personal Trainer to help me. She came over to my house yesterday and stayed for an hour showing me many exercises for my tummy (my problem area) various stretches and some light weight exercises. Boy was I doing it all wrong! I was going much too fast and had all the wrong postures. By the time she left I felt I was an inch taller and I have to admit a tad sore. I knew I felt tight but I didn't know how badly I needed these exercises. For those of you who go to yoga regularly, you are probably in great shape as far as stretching goes. I realize now that I really needed this help. Marina is going to come back (my idea, she is not pushy at all) in 2 weeks to see how I'm doing. It's all about working out consistently and cross training- aerobic exercises, stretching exercises and strength training. If you already work-out regularly and combine these 3 things--great! If you don't work out at all--start moving today. Everyone knows about parking in the back of the parking lot so you walk more, take the stairs not the elevator and one Marina just taught me, as you're driving or sitting at your desk "engage" your tummy muscles. It's all about taking time (we are all very busy, that's no excuse) to keep yourself healthy. If you have a family, it is important to set a good example. If you need help starting, call your doctor for a physical and call a personal trainer (if you can, if not do your best) for help. Be well,
Patty