Stretching

Stretching is how I get my body ready for action, like running and jumping. I think of my muscles like a rubber band. When a rubber band is warm and stretched, it can go far, but when it is cold, it might snap. Stretching helps my muscles warm up so I can move and play without getting hurt.

When I stretch, I move my body slowly and gently until I feel a little pull. It should never feel like a sharp pain. I can show you how I stretch my arms. I reach my hands high up to the sky and pretend I am picking an apple from the tallest branch. As I reach, I take a big breath in, and then I let it out slowly as I hold the stretch and count to ten. It feels like a big, nice yawn for my whole body.

A great time for me to stretch is in the morning, just like a cat does when it wakes up from a nap. This helps get my body ready for the day. It is also super important for me to stretch before I play sports or run around at recess to get my muscles ready. If I have been sitting for a long time, like in the car or at my desk, a quick stretch helps me feel less stiff and more comfortable.

Stretching is a way I take care of my body. It helps me move more easily and can keep my muscles from feeling sore or getting hurt when I play hard. When I stretch, I help my body stay healthy and strong so I can keep running, dancing, and having fun for a long, long time.