Every single day, we are asked to do any kind of physical exercise, let it be playing outside, or stretching indoors. But have you ever wondered why and how stretching helps us?
Everything in the universe has Science behind it, which means it has a reason behind it. Flexibility does also have a Science behind it. When we stretch, we have multiple thoughts running in our mind, but do we ever wonder “What is the Science behind Flexibility?”. Well, that’s what this article is about!
When we stretch, we increase our flexibility and loosen up some of the stiff tissues present in our body; The body also changes water content in the bone that is being stretched. But, how does stretching help? Stretching improves our posture [how we sit or stand], helps reduce soreness of muscles, and, as said earlier, improves your flexibility. But, the impact of stretching can’t just be seen if you don’t hold it for long. Holding a stretch for long may make them part of your body that is stretched numb, or it may be in pain, but once you have a practice of holding it for long, it doesn’t hurt as much. Keeping a routine for stretching is also important because stretching just one day will not help in an increase in flexibility. So, how long should I stretch? Stretching for an average of 10 minutes per day and 6 days per week helps your flexibility improve; Stretching for more time in a day will not help improve the benefit of the stretch, but the frequency is what is important.
One question that always pops up in my mind is, Is there a way to get flexible faster? Based on research, yes, there is a way to get flexible faster! It is to be able to be numb to pain, or get adjusted to pain [not too much pain which can cause injury, but the sufficient pain], which makes your body used to the stretch.
If you still have the question, “Why should I stretch”. Here’s the explanation in simple words! Some parts of your body have stiff muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and by stretching, you loosen up these issues. Stretching even helps you in the growth of your body because when you stretch, you add length to muscle fibers in your body. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and… GET, SET and STRETCH! Have a happy stretching!
Who knew that every fish has its personality? I certainly didn’t. Until I bought my fish. Today, I will tell the story of a most peculiar and noteworthy fish. I had an aquarium with a dozen fish already. This newcomer was an old female Three Spot Gourami. After a while, we named her Mama Odie, after the crazy old lady in the Princess and the Frog Disney Movie. We had our reasons. Mama Odie was the one fish I knew who got used to the surroundings the day she was put into the tank. Soon, she started interacting with the other fish, chasing them and snapping their tail fins. I thought she seemed pretty cheery and content. But, I soon realized that was simply not the case. She was indeed interacting with the other fish but not playing with them. The continuous chasing was turning into harassment. The snapping was becoming violent. It became clear to me that she wasn’t happy. She despised the other fish and was therefore violent towards them. Let’s just say that this fish was thoroughly fed up with life in my aquarium. Normally, I would have tried my best to help her. But, I had only one tank and many fish. I couldn’t risk the lives of the other fish to save one, could I? So, we put her in a bucket to take her back to the shop in a couple of days. But, oof! Here begins another story. Taking her out was a struggle. While she was being put into the bucket, Mama Odie decided that she wanted freedom and to live her life the way she wished to! After some time, we heard a huge “PLOP!”. We were startled and looked around. The innocent-looking Gourami had just jumped out of the bucket and had landed flat on the floor. Can you imagine such a sight? Everyone began shouting. I stopped thinking. I simply picked Mama Odie up with my bare hands. She felt small, slimy, and smooth, all at the same time. I plopped her back into her bucket. We paused to catch our breath. After a few minutes, we decided to be better safe than sorry. We covered the mouth of the bucket with a net. And thank God we did so. Believe it or not, Mama Odie tried jumping out a few more times. Doesn’t this sound like one of those times when a criminal escapes from prison but is caught and jailed again but with more security watching over him? Well, if all this is too much to digest. I understand. Anyways, finally, we were able to return her to the shop. Although I have little idea of where she is now, I hope that she is in a happy place. Her forever home. Where she is at peace and is content with her surroundings and tank mates. Wherever she is, Mama Odie will always remain in my memories. I know that she was a ‘mere’ fish. But irrespective of the species, every living being has feelings. Every being wants to be free and live as it wants. I strongly believe good ol’ Mama Odie did too.
Picture 1: This picture is when we put crazy Mama Odie in the bucket.
Picture 2: I don’t really have a clear picture of Mama Odie in the tank, but this is another fish who is of the same type of Gourami as Mama Odie.
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