Denton County Living Well Magazine May/June 2018 | Page 23

is not into yoga but wants to learn how to stretch properly, boutique studios are filling the gap by offering stretch classes and private sessions. Summer season: Take advantage of the sea- son and/or if you live in the tropics or are on vacation and stretch outdoors or in front of the ocean, a lake, creek, or a beautiful mountain. Just remember with static stretch- ing to make sure the muscles are warmed up to decrease muscle stiffness. Are you going too far? Practicing static stretching should not hurt or make you feel pain. The “ouch” that you might feel should be a mild discom- fort or tightness, but not pain. Remember that stretching elongates muscle