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What Are the Benefits of Stretching?

Jeanette McVoy

Posted by Jeanette McVoy on May 13th, 2015

Why is it important to Stretch?

I can not emphasize enough how important it is to stretch all your muscle groups on a daily basis. We all seem to be
focused on cardiovascular workouts and strength training – which is great! However, when it comes to stretching there
are very few who understand the importance of keeping their muscles healthy.

Muscles, like other tissues in our body, need to be well circulated and healthy. We spend most of our day in the same
posture. By not stretching, we continue to overuse and fatigue our muscles, making them short and tight. In return, we
form adhesions and connective tissue that is not needed, decrease circulation, decrease flexibility, increase the risk of
tendonitis, increase aches and pain.

Did you know that regular stretching is just as important as regular exercise? If you’re like me, you probably neglect
this aspect of your fitness regime, even though stretching has major benefits. Hopefully these reasons will inspire you
to make it part of your schedule!

Here are some of the main benefits of stretching:

For Your Mind

Even a short amount of time (10-15 minutes) of stretching can calm the mind, provide a mental break, and give
your body a chance to recharge
Classes like yoga or pilates offer you a chance to spend an hour releasing tension physically and mentally

Skip the Pre-Workout Stretch

Your muscles should be warm before you begin your stretching. Do a warmup before a workout that simulates the
movements you’ll be doing in order to warm up and prepare your body. Stretch after the workout when your muscles
are already warm.

Focus on the Muscles That Need the Most Help

Instead of trying to stretch your whole body after every time you exercise, focus on a key area of the body each time.
Spend longer on each stretch and include more stretches for each area. If you are aware of muscles that are tight,
then focus on those ones.

To get the most out of the stretching you do, here are some suggestions:

Choose a flexibility class, such as yoga, hot yoga, pilates, or do your own flexibility work for 45-60 minutes at least
once a week. If you’re having trouble sticking to it, follow these strategies.

For Your Body

Increases blood and nutrient supply to muscles, thereby possibly reducing muscle soreness

Assists in correct posture by lengthening tight muscles that pull areas of the body away from their intended position
(because of so much time at our computers, many of us have tight chest muscles which pulls the shoulders and head
forward, leaving us with a hunched shoulder look)

Increase the Range of Movement (improves flexibility)

As one constantly do the stretching exercises, the length of the muscles and the tendons are also increased. This will
help in increasing the range of your movement. Thus, the limbs and joints will be able to move, way before an injury
can take place. You are definitely physically fit.

Increased Ability to Perform Skills

When you have a wide range of movement, the more you will be able to do more things. For example, you can jump
high without feeling any pain when you land back on the floor. This will also help you start a new sport or improve
more if you are in one. Stretching in this aspect also allows you to have a more active lifestyle.

Injury Prevention

One can prevent injury to joints, tendons and muscles with stretching. When the muscles and tendons are well-flexed
they are considered in good working order. This will help in a faster recovery and decreased soreness. The muscles of
the body will be able to take more exhausting and rigorous movements with less probability of being injured.

Improves Posture

Assists in correct posture by lengthening tight muscles that pull areas of the body away from their intended position
(because of so much time at our computers, many of us have tight chest muscles which pulls the shoulders and head
forward, leaving us with a hunched shoulder look)

Standing Posture
Sitting Posture

Reduce Muscle Tension

If the muscles are given their regular exercises and stretching, it

is less likely that they will contract. This will definitely relieve you
of any muscle pain or problems.

Enhance Energy

Being able to move more will also give you more energy.
Stretching will also help enhance your awareness, like knowing
that you have a body that is capable of doing many things. As
such, you are going to be more driven to move rather than sulk in
the corner.

Reduces Cholesterol

Research also shows that doing prolonged stretching exercises,

like yoga, will help reduce the cholesterol in the body. This of
course must be done with a healthy diet at hand. This could
prevent and even reverse the hardening of the arteries, allowing
you to avoid coronary diseases.

Incorporate stretching in your everyday lifestyle. It has benefits

you can not say no to. It also does not require much. It can be
your usual activities, bending and flexing every now and then.
After all, your fitness is everything so do what it takes to keep the
body healthy.

To Your Health

Jeanette
303-570-9276

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