Dynamic Stretching: Let’s Do the Twist

Dynamic Stretching

Getting ready for a day on the boat? Movements that stretch the body can help you get on the boat tomorrow, too.

Work Task:

 

Reeling in a Big One?

While incredibly exciting, reeling in a big one can take quite a bit of work and put a lot of strain on your back and muscles. Leaning on the railing of the boat, bending towards the rod, pulling on a line, and fighting to turn a reel (and hopefully heaving a fish aboard) all require a fair amount of work and tension.

 

 

Stretch Break!

 

 

Standing Twist with Long Handled Tool

After you finally get your catch aboard, it doesn’t hurt to take a few minutes to stretch while you bask in victory. You can even use tools that are right at hand, like a gaff. Put the gaff on your shoulders and gently rest your hands on top like seen in the photo. Slowly and deliberately turn your body to stretch.

 

Demonstration of the Standing Twist:

Maine AgrAbility: Steady Breath

Julia Bergquist, LCSW, a quote about breathing and anxiety. Julia is the owner of Ash Point Counseling and the Mental Health Coordinator with Oasis Free Clinics.

Our breath is at the core of our regulatory system. When we feel anxious or feel we are in danger, our body’s sympathetic nervous system (the “fight or flight” system) responds by increasing the rate of our breath and heart rate to prepare us for “battle”. While this is an important and protective function, it can lead to a state of stress that our body cannot sustain without consequence. By activating our parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” system), with our breath, we can ground ourselves better in the moment, keep our skills intact, and move forward with doing what we care about.