Benefits of Stretching | Stretch it out
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Most of us do not take the time to stretch before we engage in any sort of physical activity. If we do, it is usually not enough to improve our overall flexibility. Although there seems to be conflicting evidence about when and how to stretch, there are many benefits of stretching such as improving circulation and decreasing muscle soreness.
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Fitness Habit – Stretch it out
Take the time to stretch before and after your workout. Stretching should be a continuous motion which lengthens and elongates the muscles. It doesn’t have to be long stretching sessions. A little bit of stretching goes a long way. Keep in mind that stretching should be performed after your muscles have warmed up. This means that your pre-workout stretch should be after some sort of warm up. This could be a brisk walk on the treadmill or a bike ride for 5 minutes.
Benefits of Stretching
Increase flexibility
One of the benefits of stretching is that it increases flexibility. As we stretch our muscles lengthen. This helps us in our daily activities and helps prevent tightness. This is especially important for people who are hunched over a desk for 8 hours a day. As we age, simple things become difficult such as reaching and bending over. Stretching regularly will ensure that these simple tasks stay simple.
Decrease Muscle Soreness
Another one of the benefits of stretching is that it decreases muscle soreness. After working out our muscles tend to stiffen and become sore, especially when we become overzealous and push a little too hard. Maybe you decided to try interval training for the first time. Stretching will help decrease muscle soreness and aide in muscle recovery.
Aides in Circulation
Stretching has been shown to improve circulation and increase blood flow to your muscles. Improved circulation increases the efficiency of delivering nutrients to our muscles and joints.
Other Benefits of Stretching
There are many other benefits of stretching as well. Lower back pain can be alleviated by stretching the hip flexors. Stretching your glutes and quad muscles prevent weak and overused hamstrings. Risk of tendonitis can be reduced by stretching the calves. These are just some of the benefits of stretching, not to mention flexibility can add up to 3 years to someone’s life.