Setting up a home stretching corner

Plenty of people mean to stretch more often and rarely get round to it. A big part of the problem is friction: finding the mat, clearing the floor, deciding what to do. A small corner that is always ready removes most of that, so starting takes seconds rather than minutes.

You do not need a spare room. A space roughly the size of a mat, with enough room to stretch your arms out, is enough.

• Somewhere you pass every day, such as the bedroom or a corner of the living room, so the mat itself is a reminder.
• A firm, level floor. A thin rug under the mat is fine; a deep-pile carpet makes balance harder.
• A bit of wall space, which is handy for leg-up-the-wall positions or for steadying yourself.
• Comfortable warmth and light. A cold room makes it harder to settle. A lamp with a warm setting helps in the evenings.

The mat is the one piece of kit worth getting right. Thicker mats feel cushioned on the knees but can feel less stable when standing. Thinner mats give a firmer base. A mid-thickness mat suits most people who mainly stretch and do floor work.

Check that the surface grips when your hands are warm, that it does not slide on your floor, and that it is easy to wipe clean. If it will be rolled up every day, a lighter mat with a carry strap makes that easier.

• Two blocks bring the floor closer when you cannot reach it comfortably, and make a handy seat.
• A strap lets you hold a stretch without straining to reach your feet. A dressing-gown belt works while you decide.
• A firm cushion or folded blanket to sit on, or to kneel on if your knees dislike hard floors.
• A foam roller or massage ball, if you enjoy using them. Start with a softer roller and go gently.

A timer, or a stretching or mobility app with guided sessions, helps if you prefer to be told what to do next rather than make it up.

A basket or a low shelf for the blocks, strap and roller keeps the corner ready without looking cluttered. A wall hook or an over-door rack works for a rolled mat in a small room. If the kit is out of sight and hard to reach, it tends not to get used.

Link stretching to something you already do: after brushing your teeth, before the evening news, or while the kettle boils. Keep sessions short to start with. Ten minutes you actually do beats an hour you keep putting off.

Move gently and stop if anything hurts. If you have an injury, a health condition or are pregnant, check with your doctor or a physiotherapist before starting a new routine.

Flairmingo's Wellness catalogue includes mobility kit, massage tools and movement classes. Set your wellness goals in a few taps to see them ranked by how well they fit.