THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, February 17, 1997 TAG: 9702150045
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAT DOOLEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 69 lines
REMEMBER STRETCHING in high-school gym class?
Stand straight. Bend over. Touch your toes. Bounce, bounce, bounce.
No pain, no gain! Go for the burn!
Now, take a deep breath. And put those memories behind you.
Stretching is more popular than ever, but it's not the same old herky-jerky, hurry-up-and-do-it exercise you may remember.
Stretching is an extension of its former self.
Sure, it still helps prevent injury by easing muscles into - and out of - vigorous exercise such as jogging.
But more and more, stretching is the exercise. Hourlong classes, devoted to stretching, are touted as a way to soothe jangled nerves, ease pain and enhance flexibility, relaxation and energy.
``It is a very simple activity that can make you feel better,'' says Bob Anderson, in his book ``Stretching at Your Computer or Desk'' (Random House, 1997). ``It is gentle, peaceful and relaxing.''
The International Association of Fitness Professionals included stretching on its recent list of what's hot in exercise.
At the downtown Norfolk YMCA, so many folks have turned out for a weekly Wednesday morning ``Power Stretch'' that a second class was added, beginning today. Both start at 8:15.
Instructor Gabrielle Gerard says East meets West on the exercise mat.
Ancient Eastern philosophies that connect thoughts with physical well-being are making sense to time-stressed Americans, Gerard says. Yoga, a more disciplined mind-body stretch, also is popular, she says.
In her classes, Gerard guides participants to focus on breathing - which energizes the body by increasing oxygen supply, she says - and on how their bodies feel as they stretch.
Movements are slow, controlled.
Participants leave feeling energetic, yet relaxed, Gerard says.
But taking a class isn't the only way to benefit, says Renee Giordano, fitness director at New Fitness in Chesapeake.
A few basic stretches in the morning - ``sit in bed and reach to the ceiling'' - are enough to get the blood flowing, she says.
Likewise, a stretch break at the office can relieve stress and revive energy, Giordano says.
But don't overdo it. Cold muscles injure easily. Vigorous stretching or aerobic activity requires a warm-up.
To warm muscles, lightly pedal an exercycle or walk for five or 10 minutes, says Dr. R. Brick Campbell, an orthopedic surgeon in Norfolk.
Then, stretch gently, he says. Never bounce. Never force a movement.
Follow a workout with a cool-down - a few minutes of walking on a treadmill, for example - then gently stretch again.
If you feel pain or discomfort when you stretch, pull back about an inch, says Giordano. Hold a stretch for 10 to 30 seconds, she says.
To get the maximum benefits, breathe in and out from your belly, she says.
``Think good thoughts,'' she says. ``Imagine using every muscle. They become in tune.'' MEMO: Among the local clubs offering stretching classes are the YMCAs
at Hilltop and Mount Trashmore, New Fitness for Ladies at Hilltop, and
Wareing's, all in Virginia Beach; and Downtown Athletic Club at Dominion
Tower, and the YMCA on Bute Street, both in Norfolk. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
The Home Stretch
[For complete copy, see microfilm]
Graphic
A Flexibility "Sampler"
[For complete copy, see microfilm]