Andy Fata-Chan, a seasoned physical therapist and fitness trainer, has shared his go-to daily stretch to keep himself and his clients youthful and sprightly. Specialising in chronic debilitating pain, Fata-Chan takes his young athletes and even Olympians through a holistic, evidence-backed approach to high performance.
“As a physical therapist and fitness trainer, my clients are always asking me what they can do to keep their bodies young and healthy,” he disclosed to CNBC. “As we age, we naturally lose strength, range of motion and flexibility, which can cause stiffness, discomfort and an increased risk of injury. So mobility is crucial for long-term pain relief and overall longevity.”
When it comes to the optimal stretch for enduring youthfulness, Fata-Chan advocates just one – dubbed the ‘world’s greatest stretch.’ This full-body endeavour not only enhances mobility but simultaneously targets several muscle groups, promoting stellar body condition through the years.
But how exactly does one execute this so-called World’s Greatest Stretch? Fata-Chang explains below:
- Start in a high plank position. Keeping your hands directly beneath your shoulders, make your body form a straight line from head to heels.
- Step your right foot forward. Place it outside your right hand so you form a deep lunge. Ensure your front knee stays aligned over your ankle.
- Reach your right arm upward. Rotate your torso to the right and extend your arm toward the ceiling. By following your hand with your eyes, you can also enhance spinal mobility.
- Return your hand to the ground. Then, bring your right arm back down, placing it on the inside of your front foot.
- Straighten your front leg. Move your weight slightly back to stretch your hamstring. Hold this position for 10 seconds, before returning to the lunge.
- Switch sides. Finally, step your right foot back to the plank position and repeat the stretch on the left side.
The trainer shares that the stretch’s efficacy stems from dynamic stretching, which beats static routines by boosting flexibility and better preparing the muscles for activity.
The stretch has been proven to confer a wide array of benefits for your physique, making it an exceptional exercise for sustained health and flexibility, reports Surrey Live.
Fata-Chan advises doing this stretch five to 10 times on each side, holding each position for a few seconds. Each time you rotate into the lunge, try to go a little deeper to enhance your mobility over time.
Regularly performing this stretch will yield benefits such as improved hip flexibility, enhanced joint health and circulation, and stronger stabilising muscles.