2022 is nuts. Like proper nuts.
Is it just us, or does it feel like every postponed wedding from 2020 and 2021 is happening right now – like, right this very second?!
That’s probably because they are.
We don’t know any florists who aren’t totally run off their feet right now, juggling new bookings with old bookings, families, market runs, busy shops – you name it.
We all know the importance of keeping our bodies flexible. Constantly bending, reaching and hauling flowers, you need to be able to move easily. Especially to relocate that arch up those 5 flights of stairs (like we did last Thursday).
That’s why it’s important to stretch regularly.
Stretching not only keeps you limber but can also help relieve tension in your neck and shoulders and even improve your circulation (hello swollen ankles!).
By taking just a few minutes each day to stretch, you can stay comfortable and healthy while flinging the flowers you love.
There are a million ways to stretch, and everyone has their own preferences. Here are a few basic stretches that can help get you started. For this article, we’ve teamed up with our mates at Premium Pilates & Fitness, Brisbane’s most affordable Pilates Studio, to get their tips.
“Adding stretching into your daily routine can result in better flexibility, reduced muscle soreness, improved mobility and range of movement, lessen the chance of injury and better postural alignment. So we need to balance the exercise and daily activity we love with the stretching our body loves” comments Emily Boult of PPF.
Sign. Us. Up.
Here are some simple ones to get you started.
Upper Body
The Cat-Cow Stretch
This is a great stretch to do first thing in the morning, or anytime you need to loosen up your spine. Start on all fours with your hands directly below your shoulders and your knees directly below your hips. Inhale as you arch your back and look up, and exhale as you round your back and tuck your chin. Try to hold each position for 5-10 seconds.
Behind the Back Neck Stretch:
Stand with your feet at a distance of about 40cm apart. Reach both hands behind your back and grab hold of your left wrist with your right hand. Gently straighten your left arm and pull it away from you slightly with the aid of your right hand. To enhance the stretch in your neck, slowly lower your right ear toward your shoulder. Consider making a diagonal line from the middle of your left wrist to the end of your right ear. Maintain this position for 30 seconds before switching sides.
Wrist Roll-Outs
Begin by interlocking your fingers in a prayer position and bringing your palms together in front of your chest. Bring your forearms as close together as possible then make circles with your fists. Aim to point your clasped hands in call four directions of a compass – North, West, South, East. Repeat 5 times before reversing directions.
Lower Body
As we know, standing all day takes a toll on the body, including the hips, knees and feet. When it comes to looking after your lower body the first place to start is with good footwear and a thick anti-fatigue mat! Birkenstocks don’t count guys! Beyond this, there are some stretches you can do and if you’re still sore, try icing your feet and ankles after a long day.
Wear proper footwear and alternate standing with one foot slightly elevated (on a short stool or box) to keep pressure off your back. The following stretches will help keep you loose as well!
Standing Hamstring Stretch
In this posture, you’ll want to stand upright and cross your right foot in front of your left. Bend at the waist and lower your forehead to your right knee (or as far as possible). Keep both knees straight. Hold for between 15 and 30 seconds. Then change legs.
Standing Calf Stretch
Begin by standing facing a wall or other support, like a chair, with one foot in front of you by about 12 inches. Keep your toes pointed up. Slowly lean forward until you feel the stretch in the back of your lower leg. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds before repeating on the opposite side. Do 3 sets total.
When you get home, another you can do is Trigger Pointing.
This is where a specific muscle/muscle group is targeted and pressure is applied to the area to release. It can take anywhere from 10 seconds – to 1 minute. Don’t get us wrong, it’s definitely not the most relaxing way to release tight muscles but it’s very effective!
Trigger pointing is the most versatile form of releasing muscles as it is safe to perform before or after exercise. Trigger pointing can be done with a foam roller, tennis ball or even just your fingers!
It’s important to note that you shouldn’t be in excruciating pain when trigger pointing muscles. You should feel pressure and then the muscle release within a short time period.
These stretches can help you keep your body limber and relieve tension, even if you don’t have time for a full session. Incorporating just a few of these stretches into your everyday event or show routine will assist minimize strain on your body as well as reducing stress.
At The FQ we love anything that reduces stress so you’ll find us doing them before and after a big day.
Big thanks to Premium Pilates and Fitness for the hot tips! For anyone keen to get involved, you can join their online studio from anywhere in Australia. Enjoy online Pilates, HIIT, Yoga, Stretch & More for just $10 per week!
Happy stretching!
The FQ xx
