The answer to the burning question, "why should I stretch?" And where to do it!
When it comes to prioritizing our to-do lists, stretching is usually found very low on the list or is even absent. I feel guilty for not stretching enough, but I know how good my body feels and how well it performs when I do get an adequate amount of stretching in. Having tight muscles after skiing is a good reminder for me to attend more yoga classes, or unroll my mat more often to start increasing my mobility.
Mindfulness, balance, and flexibility are all areas that need consistent attention if you really want to feel the difference and hold on to the results. Here are a few reasons to start stretching more often.
- increased joint motion
- improved muscle health
- better circulation
- reduced anxiety
- more body awareness
- less back/joint pain
- higher athletic performance
Holding controlled stretches for 10-30 seconds will get you on your way to enjoying these benefits! Seems pretty easy, right? Stretching is extremely important for active people and skiers/boarders especially for injury prevention. Sore muscles, tight joints? Set a stretch schedule, try out my favorite ski stretches, download a yoga App, follow stretching video on YouTube or check out one of these classes on your next ski trip to the following resorts!
Alta Ski Area
Early morning stretch class held at Rustler Lodge. Get your body warmed up and mobile before hitting the slopes!
Deer Valley Resort
The Montage Fitness Center has a 7:15 AM Morning Mountain Stretch offered every day, along with many other classes available. They have a beautiful fitness room where you can roll out before or after skiing!
Park City
Park City has many yoga studios to check out.
Tadasana has a heated room to cleanse your body as you sweat and stretch. Park City Yoga Studio has a variety of styles, from restorative yoga to creative flow, and even prenatal yoga! Drop into a donation class at The Shop, or enjoy a complimentary yoga class every Wednesday at 11:45 AM at The Beau Collective Barn. The yoga and wellness studio, Oak and Willow, has a variety of yoga classes; one being "Yoga for the Slopes" from 7:00 to 8:00 AM and "Family Yoga" where kids are Free! Schedule a private class at Yoga Kula Project at Canyons Village to get some personal attention. Or check out Park City Yoga Adventures where they take yoga outside the box and provide an experience you'll go home talking about!
Powder Mountain
Yoga offered during retreats. Schedule through conciseerge@powdermountain.com or call 801-436-7898.
Snowbird
Classes and workshops at The Cliff Spa. They have a variety of classes on a weekly schedule to ensure your muscles get what they need after days of skiing!
Sundance Mountain Resort
Daily Yoga offerings for a mindful and peaceful experience that compliments the Sundance atmosphere well to make your body feel amazing while you are there!
These are all wonderful places to treat your body for all that it does for you. Every place has something special or unique about it, so I would encourage you to check out as many as you can to see what fits for you. Challenge yourself but know that it is a continuous practice, no-one is perfect! Also, every instructor adds their own personal touch, so keep an open mind when going to try anything new.
