Stretching & Body Awareness are the Missing Link to Becoming an Elite Athlete.

I say "Link" as singular because stretching and body awareness are one, which is why stretching is so important. What stretching provides in the form of body awareness and control gives all who practice it a big-time edge on the competition who don't. This enhanced body awareness is the missing link for most people trying to achieve elite, physical performance and it puts a new spin on why people should spend more quality time stretching.

            Please keep in mind that I train athletes of all ages, sports and abilities, not to mention being one myself for over 20 years while reaching a junior Olympic level in two different sports; so this info is based on proven techniques and successful results, time and time again.

            There is a common theme among ELITE athletes of all ages (past age 14), sports and gender that sets them apart from the non elites - STRETCHING and body awareness. This is not to be confused with natural flexibility which takes no additional time to practice and therefore does not create an advanced muscle-brain relationship while the muscle is in its lengthened position. Ummmmm what?

            Let's just say that I have seen kids and adults who are at a very high level for their sport although not quite elite and despite their great coordination and ability within their sport,  their overall body awareness is absolutely terrible. Do you know what all of them have in common? They don't stretch much at all. And if they do, it is half-hearted or inappropriate. This leads to a body awareness that is lacking compared to those who do spend the time stretching and getting to know their body.