Why you need to stretch after barre class!

figure-4-stretchLife is busy. We are often trying to cram our workouts in between errands and work just to get everything done that we need to do. It may seem that stretching at the end of your workout ranks low on your list of priorities and can easily be skipped, but I would strongly encourage you not to. Here are some reasons why:

1) Barre class is high repetition work, making the muscles short and tight. It’s important to spend a few minutes encouraging those muscles to return to resting length. Walking around with short, tight muscles WILL lead to injury.

2) Stretching promotes blood flow to the muscles. Barre training is intense muscle work, and we need nutrients to quickly return to those muscles to begin repair. If you’re looking to shape and sculpt your body, you need to assist in the repair process!

3) Stretching brings your heart rate and blood pressure down. Too many of us suffer from anxiety and stress that raises cortisol levels, leading to illness, injury, and making it difficult to build muscle and lose body fat. Taking a few minutes and “reset” your mind and body after your workout will benefit you today AND tomorrow.

4) You are supporting the people around you in completing the “journey” of your class. It’s important to end an intense class in a “zen” place, and by stretching at the end of class, you are enhancing the positive energy in the room and supporting your class members in their journey. Your class members will appreciate you completing the experience with them!

These are just a few of MANY reasons why stretching is important after your barre class (or any exercise session). Stretching has a lot to do with getting the results you want for your body. It may feel unproductive compared to the intense muscle burn during barre class, but stretching will benefit you in many other ways. And if you don’t do it for you, do it for those around you to encourage the “zen” of the space and the essence of teamwork!